Dihydromyricetin Attenuates High-Intensity Exercise-Induced Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction Associated with the Modulation of the Phenotype of Intestinal Intraepithelial Lymphocytes

Background: Exercise-induced gastrointestinal syndrome (GIS) has symptoms commonly induced by strenuous sports. The study aimed to determine the effect of dihydromyricetin (DHM) administration on high-intensity exercise (HIE)-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction and the underlying mechanism involved with intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs). Methods: The HIE model was established with male C57BL/6 mice using a motorized treadmill for 2 weeks, and DHM was given once a day by oral gavage. After being sacrificed, the small intestines of the mice were removed immediately. Results: We found that DHM administration significantly suppressed HIE-induced intestinal inflammation, improved intestinal barrier integrity, and inhibited a HIE-induced increase in the number of IELs and the frequency of CD8αα(+) IELs. Meanwhile, several markers associated with the activation, gut homing and immune functions of CD8αα(+) IELs were regulated by DHM. Mechanistically, luciferase reporter assay and molecular docking assay showed DHM could activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Conclusions: These data indicate that DHM exerts a preventive effect against HIE-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction, which is associated with the modulation of the quantity and phenotype of IELs in the small intestine. The findings provide a foundation to identify novel preventive strategies based on DHM supplementation for HIE-induced GIS.