The Alleviating Effect of Abalone Viscera Collagen Peptide in DSS-Induced Colitis Mice: Effect on Inflammatory Cytokines, Oxidative Stress, and Gut Microbiota

Background/Objectives: Abalone viscera is a discarded seafood by-product that contains a wealth of protein and is a good source of collagen peptides which have proven to have great potential in ameliorating host inflammation. The present study was conducted to evaluate the anti-inflammatory capacity of collagen peptide extracted from abalone viscera. Methods: Low, medium, and high dosages (300, 600, and 900 mg/kg/d) of abalone viscera collagen peptide (AVCP) were orally administered to DSS-induced acute colitis mice. The inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress factors were assessed using the ELISA method, and gut microbiota was widely studied by 16S rRNA sequencing technology. Results: The results showed that oral administration of AVCP led to a significant alleviation of weight loss, colon length shortening, and DAI escalation in colitis mice. AVCP could also alleviate the pathological damage of colon tissue; inhibit splenic edema and thymic atrophy; reduce the serum level of inflammatory mediators (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-17A, and myeloperoxidase (MPO)); and improved antioxidant capacity (the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) increased and malondialdehyde (MDA) level decreased). Moreover, AVCP restored the balance of the gut microbiota, such as Escherichia-Shigella, Bacteroides, norank_f_Muribaculaceae, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, and Parasutterella. Conclusions: Collectively, our observations elucidated the potential use of AVCP as a prebiotic for ulcerative colitis alleviation.