Polysaccharides from Black Mulberry Attenuate Colitis through Gut Microbiota Mediated TNF-α/pNF-κB/ICAM‑1 Signaling Pathway

Colitis is characterized by immune
dysregulation and
gut microbiota
imbalance. This study investigates the therapeutic effects of polysaccharides
from black mulberry (PBM) on dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis
in mice. PBM administration significantly alleviated colitis symptoms,
including body weight loss, histological damage, and inflammation,
while enhancing antioxidant capacity and strengthening tight junction
protein expression. PBM modulated gut microbiota composition, notably
increasing Weissella spp., which correlated
with elevated short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and decreased pro-inflammatory
markers. Colonic RNA sequencing revealed the role of PBM in attenuating
colitis via the TNF-α/NF-κB/ICAM-1 signaling pathway.
Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from PBM-treated mice confirmed
that microbiota modulation from PBM contributed to these therapeutic
effects. These findings suggest PBM as a natural therapeutic agent
for colitis, offering a multifaceted approach to restoring gut homeostasis
through microbiota modulation and inflammatory pathway regulation.
This study provides new insights into dietary polysaccharides as potential
adjunctive therapies for colitis.