Rauvolfian Pectic Polysaccharide Alleviates Gut Inflammation and Alters Microbiota Diversity in Colitis

Abstract

Objective: Microbiota change has been recognized as an important player in the progression of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). This study aims to evaluate the beneficial effect of rauvolfian pectic polysaccharide (PP) on mucosal inflammation and its impact on gut microbiota. Methods: Rauvolfian PP from Rauvolfia callus was prepared as intervention photochemical. Gut inflammation was induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in the mouse model and the beneficial effect of PP administration on colitis was evaluated. The microbiota composition in control group, DSS model group and DSS with PP treatment group was examined by integrative sequencing of 16S, 18S and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) targets using genomic DNA from the fecal samples. Results: We reported the beneficial effect of rauvolfian PP in alleviating the colitis and suppressing pyroptosis in intestinal mucosa of DSS-induced mouse model. Both colitis induction and PP administration significantly altered the composition of intestinal microbiota. DSS induced colitis decreased gut microbial diversity, and PP treatment further lower the diversity of gut microbiota. Interestingly, the abundance of Escherichia-Shigella and Citrobacter became increased after PP administration. Conclusions: Our data revealed the microbiota changes associated with the beneficial effect of rauvolfian PP in colitis model. The overall reduction of microbiota diversity and the increased abundance of specific microbial families may account for the beneficial effect of PP administration. Future work needs to focus on the elucidation of the mechanisms by which these microbial families may help alleviate the progression of IBD.