N5_data_original

we investigated the therapeutic potential of <i>Lactobacillus johnsonii</i> N5 in a murine dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis model. Prophylactic N5 administration alleviated colitis symptoms, reduced fecal and serum lipocalin-2 levels, and suppressed colonic pro-inflammatory cytokines. N5 preserved microbial diversity, enhanced mucus secretion, and reinforced mucosal barrier integrity, preventing colitis onset. Therapeutically, N5 attenuated disease progression by downregulating IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 expression, restoring <i>Lactobacillus</i> populations, and suppressing <i>Escherichia-Shigella</i> expansion, thereby reducing bacterial translocation and systemic inflammation.<br>