Polysaccharide from flammuliana velutipes improves colitis via regulation of colonic microbial dysbiosis and inflammatory responses

The aim of this study is to investigate whether Flammuliana Velutipes Polysaccharide (FVP) could aid in the prevention of colitis. Effect of FVP on colitis was evaluated using dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in rats. Influence of FVP on the expression of inflammation related biomarkers and signal pathway element of TLR4\NF-κB were assessed. The composition and taxonomy of colonic microbiota were analyzed by 16S rDNA high throughput sequencing, and the concentrations of caecal short fatty chain acids were assessed by chromatography-mass spectrometry. Our results showed that FVP treatment could regulate the colonic microbial dysbiosis and promote the levels of caecal short fatty chain acids, leading to down-regulation of TLR4\NF-κB signal pathway, which finally ameliorate the colitis. Thus, the present study is the first attempt to elucidate the effect of FVP on colitis and support the potential application of FVP as a functional food ingredient or preventive drugs for colitis.