The protective effect of carnosic acid on dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis based on metabolomics and gut microbiota analysis

摘要

Accumulating evidence suggests that the gut microbiota plays an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).Carnosic acid(CA)is a major antioxidant component of rosemary and sage.Herein,we investigated the protective effects of dietary CA on dextran sodium sulfate(DSS)-induced colitis mouse model with an emphasis on its impact on the composition and metabolic function of gut microbiota.We found that CA effectively attenuated DSS-stimulated colitis in mice,as evidenced by reduced disease activity index(DAI),and systemic and colonic inflammation.Additionally,CA restored microbial diversity and improved the composition of gut microbiota in DSS-treated mice.Moreover,Spearman’s correlation coefficient showed a significant correlation between the fecal metabolites and the gut microbiota species.Changes in gut microbiota and the correlated metabolites might partially explain CA’s anti-inflammatory effects against colitis.Future clinical trials are needed to determine the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of CA on IBD in humans.