Modulatory effects of fermented Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua on immune homeostasis and gut integrity in a dextran-sulfate-sodium-induced colitis model

Abstract

The gut health-promoting properties of saponin-rich Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua (FP) fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum P9 were explored in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model. FP supplementation effectively inhibited DSS-induced physiological alteration and impaired immune responses by reducing the disease activity index (DAI) score and restoring the T helper (Th) 1/Th2 and regulatory T (Treg)/Th17 ratios. In addition, FP supplementation protected the gut barrier function against DSS-induced damage via upregulation of zonula occludens (ZO)-1 and occludin and downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-18, and the granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). This study further elucidated the potential mechanisms underlying the FP-mediated suppression of the plasticity of type 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3) and subsequent macrophage polarization. Therefore, the FP supplementation effectively restored mucosal immune homeostasis and enhanced gut integrity. In addition, it suppressed the growth of Escherichia-Shigella and Enterococcus and promoted the enrichment of probiotics and short-chain fatty acid-producing microbes, such as Romboutsia, Faecalibaculum, and Blautia. In conclusion, P. cyrtonema Hua fermented with L. plantarum P9 might be a promising dietary intervention to improve gut health by sustaining overall gut homeostasis and related gut integrity.