Structural Characterization of Water-Soluble Pectin from the Fruit of <i>Diospyros lotus L.</i> and Its Protective Effects against DSS-Induced Colitis in Mice
Jixiang Zhang, Zhenou Sun, Liting Cheng, Ji Kang, Yan Liu, Yi Zhao, Meng Xiao, Huan‐Huan Liu, Qiaomei Zhu, Qingbin Guo, Changbin Lin
Abstract
Polysaccharides from Diospyros lotus L. were investigated for their structural characterization and anti-inflammatory activity. Four low polymer dispersity index (PDI) subfractions were obtained: DRP-1 (153.95 kDa), DRP-2 (61.22 kDa), DRP-3 (22.80 kDa), and DRP-4 (8.93 kDa), respectively. DRP-4 contained the highest number of RG-I domains (43.25%), while DRP-1 had the highest degree of methyl esterification (37.5%). Results from the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) salt-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) mice model indicated that DCP promoted mucosal and tight junction protein (caudin-1 and occludin) expression. Moreover, DCP improved the microbial community composition through selective enrichment of beneficial bacteria such as Lachnospiraceae and Lactobacillaceae . The anti-inflammatory activity of DCP was speculated to be related to its neutral sugar side chain and low esterification degree. These results suggested that DCP could prevent DSS-induced colitis and inhibit colon inflammation by maintaining a balanced gut microbiome and protecting the colon mucosal barrier.