Affiliation:
1. Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology Xianning China
2. Hubei Industrial Technology Research Institute of Intelligent Health Xianning China
3. Xianning Center for Disease Control and Prevention Xianning China
4. Xianning Public Inspection Center of Hubei Province Xianning China
5. Xianning Central Hospital Xianning China
Abstract
AbstractBACKGROUNDQingzhuan dark tea polysaccharides (QDTP) have been complexed with Zinc (Zn) to form the Qingzhuan dark tea polysaccharides‐Zinc (QDTP‐Zn) complex. The present study investigated the protective effects of QDTP‐Zn on ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice. The UC mouse model was induced using dextran sodium sulfate (DSS), followed by oral administration of QDTP‐Zn (0.2 and 0.4 g kg−1 day−1).RESULTSQDTP‐Zn demonstrated alleviation of UC symptoms in mice, as evidenced by a decrease in disease activity index scores. QDTP‐Zn also regulated colon tissue injury by upregulating ZO‐1 and occludin protein expression, at the same time as downregulating tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐6β levels. Furthermore, QDTP‐Zn induced significant alterations in the abundance of bacteroidetes and firmicutes and notably increased levels of short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs), particularly acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid.CONCLUSIONIn summary, QDTP‐Zn exhibits therapeutic potential in alleviating enteritis by fortifying the colonic mucosal barrier, mitigating inflammation and modulating intestinal microbiota and SCFAs levels. Thus, QDTP‐Zn holds promise as a functional food for both the prevention and treatment of UC. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.