Probiotic Bacillus subtilis alleviates DSS-Induced colitis in mice through modulation of inflammation and metabolic pathways
學生姓名:
李芳頡
指導教授:
黃崇雄
學 期:
114上
摘 要:
Ulcerative colitis is associated with impaired intestinal barrier integrity, immune dysregulation, and metabolic disturbances, highlighting the need for safer and more effective therapeutic strategies. Bacillus cereus has been proposed as a probiotic candidate due to its stability and regulatory effects on gut homeostasis. Therefore, this research aimed to evaluate its protective role in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. In murine models, B. cereus was orally administered during DSS exposure, and disease severity was assessed through body weight changes, disease activity index, colon morphology, histopathological evaluation, cytokine profiling, and molecular analysis of epithelial barrier and inflammatory signaling pathways. The results demonstrated that B. cereus alleviated colitis symptoms, preserved goblet cell abundance, and restored tight junction proteins (ZO-1, Occludin, Claudin-1), thereby protecting epithelial barrier integrity. Moreover, B. cereus suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibited TLR4–NF-κB–NLRP inflammasome activation, while promoting macrophage polarization toward the M2 phenotype. Metabolomic analysis further revealed activation of the bile acid–FXR axis and modulation of metabolic pathways, contributing to inflammation resolution. Collectively, B. cereus exerts multi-level protective effects through epithelial barrier restoration, immune regulation, and metabolic reprogramming, supporting its potential application as a therapeutic or functional probiotic for colitis management.
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