Mare milk and fermented mare milk alleviate dextran sulfate sodium salt-induced ulcerative colitis in mice by reducing inflammation and modulating intestinal flora.

Overview

• This study explored the effects of mare milk (MM) and fermented mare milk (FM) on ulcerative colitis (UC) induced by dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS) in mice.
• It aimed to understand how MM and FM can reduce inflammation, repair intestinal damage, and modulate gut microbiota to alleviate UC symptoms.

Introduction to Mare Milk and Ulcerative Colitis

• Mare Milk (MM) and Fermented Mare Milk (FM): Both are animal milk products rich in nutrients and contain bioactive compounds that help combat inflammation and oxidative stress.
• Ulcerative Colitis (UC): A chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by colon inflammation, leading to symptoms like weight loss, colon shrinkage, and intestinal barrier damage.
• Research Gap: Previous studies lacked focus on MM and FM’s role in maintaining intestinal homeostasis and preventing UC.

Study Aim and Methodology

• Aimed to evaluate MM and FM effects on DSS-induced UC in mice, a common experimental model for ulcerative colitis.
• Investigated protective effects on physical symptoms, inflammation markers, intestinal barrier integrity, antioxidant defense, and gut microbiota composition.

Key Findings: Protective Effects Against DSS-Induced UC

• Physical Protection: Both MM and FM prevented weight loss and reduced colon length shortening caused by DSS, indicating protection against UC-driven physical damage.
• Intestinal Structure Restoration: MM and FM helped restore damaged intestinal tissue structures, promoting healing of the colon lining.
• Intestinal Barrier Repair: Maintained levels of tight junction proteins, crucial for intestinal barrier function, thus minimizing permeability and further inflammation.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects

• Inflammatory Cytokine Downregulation: MM and FM reduced key inflammatory markers such as IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), curbing the inflammatory response.
• Antioxidant Defense: Enhanced the body’s antioxidant system, helping neutralize oxidative stress associated with colonic inflammation.

Modulation of Intestinal Microbiota

• Dysbiosis Correction: Both MM and FM improved diversity and composition of gut bacteria disrupted by DSS-induced colitis.
• Increased Beneficial Bacteria: Increased proportions of the phyla Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, which are associated with gut health.
• Specific Genera Enhancement: Notably increased Akkermansia, a beneficial bacterial genus linked to mucosal health and anti-inflammatory effects.

Conclusions and Implications

• MM and FM demonstrated significant potential as dietary interventions to prevent or alleviate UC by providing multi-level protection encompassing physical tissue repair, inflammation reduction, antioxidant support, and microbiota modulation.
• This study supports the use of mare milk products as functional foods to maintain intestinal homeostasis and manage inflammatory bowel conditions.
• Further research could explore clinical applications and mechanisms in human subjects.