Selenium-Enriched Lactobacillus acidophilus Ameliorates Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Chronic Colitis in Mice by Regulating Inflammatory Cytokines and Intestinal Microbiota

Aim: To evaluate the effect of Selenium-enriched Lactobacillus acidophilus (Se-enriched L. acidophilus) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. Methods: Mice were randomly divided into four groups: a control group, a control + Se-enriched L. acidophilus group, a chronic colitis group, and a chronic colitis + Se-enriched L. acidophilus group (n = 10 each group). The mice were sacrificed on the 26th day. The disease activity index, survival rates, and histological injury score were determined. Cytokines produced by lamina propria lymphocytes (LPLs), the selenium (Se) concentrations in serum and colon tissue and the mouse intestinal microbiota were evaluated. Results: Se-enriched L. acidophilus can improve histological injury and the disease activity index in mice with chronic colitis and reduce IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12p70, TNF-α, IL-23, IFN-γ, IL-17A, and IL-21 (P < 0.05) and increase IL-10 (P < 0.05) expression levels. Moreover, Se-enriched L. acidophilus can increase the β diversity of intestinal microbiota in mice with chronic colitis, significantly reduce the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Romboutsia (P < 0.05), and significantly increase the relative abundance of Parasutterella (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Se-enriched L. acidophilus can improve DSS-induced chronic colitis by regulating inflammatory cytokines and intestinal microbiota.