Bachu Mushroom Polysaccharide Alleviates Colonic Injury by Modulating the Gut Microbiota

OBJECTIVE: This study was to define the protective effect of purified Helvella leucopus polysaccharide (p-HLP) against dextran sulfate sodium- (DSS-) induced colitis. METHODS: The novel p-HLP was isolated from Bachu mushroom through hot water extraction, ethanol precipitation, and column chromatography. Then, we evaluated the potential effects of p-HLP on colonic histopathology, inflammation, and microbiota composition in DSS-induced colitis mice. RESULTS: p-HLP was a homopolysaccharide with an average molecular weight of 39.14 × 10(8) Da. Functionally, p-HLP significantly attenuated DSS-induced body weight loss and colon shortening. The histological score of the colon lesion was significantly decreased upon p-HLP treatment. Also, p-HLP treatment led to decreased expression of proinflammatory cytokines and mediators (IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α, and COX-2 and iNOS) and increased expression of anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) in the colon tissues. Illumina MiSeq sequencing revealed that p-HLP modulated the composition of the gut microbiota. CONCLUSION: p-HLP is a potent regulator that protects the lesions from DSS-induced colitis.