Linoleate Isomerase Complex Contributes to Metabolism and Remission of DSS-Induced Colitis in Mice of Lactobacillus plantarum ZS2058

A linoleate isomerase complex including myosin-cross-reactive antigen, short-chain dehydrogenase/oxidoreductase, and acetoacetate decarboxylase has been confirmed as the pivotal factor for conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) production in Lactobacillus plantarum. However, its role in the metabolism and health-associated benefits of Lactobacillus remain unclear. In the current study, the mild type, knockout, and complemented mutants of the linoleate isomerase complex of L. plantarum ZS2058 were used to investigate those putative effects. The metabonomic results showed that a linoleate isomerase complex could significantly influence the glycol-metabolism, lipid metabolism, and antioxidant compounds. Especially, with the stress of linoleic acid, linoleate isomerase complex knockout mutants induced the increase of several antioxidant compounds, such as glutamic acid, glycine, l-cysteine, glycerol, and l-sorbosone. Moreover, the linoleate isomerase complex played a pivotal role in ameliorating DSS-induced colitis. The knockout mutants showed effects similar to those in the DSS group, whereas complementation of the corresponding gene in the knockout mutants could restore the anti-inflammatory activity, wherein the integrity of a mucus layer was repaired, the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines decreased, and the amount of anti-inflammatory cytokines increased significantly. All the results indicated that the linoleate isomerase complex plays a key role in CLA production and metabolism as well as the health-associated benefits of L. plantarum ZS2058. These results are conducive to promote clinical trials and product development of probiotics for colitis.