Intervention of Isomaltodextrin Mitigates Intestinal Inflammation in a Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Mouse Model of Colitis via Inhibition of Toll-like Receptor-4

Isomaltodextrin (IMD), a highly branched α-glucan, is a type of resistant starch. Earlier studies have indicated that polysaccharides could prevent inflammation and can be effective in reducing the complications of chronic gastrointestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of IMD in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in a mouse model. IMD (0.5, 1.0, 2.5, and 5.0% (w/v)) was given orally for 23 days to female Balb/c mice, and then 5% DSS was administered to induce colitis (from day 15 onward to the end of the trial). IMD could not prevent DSS-induced weight loss or colon shortening. However, IMD could reduce inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α and IL-6, in the colon. Gene expression indicated the tendency of IMD to suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, MCP-1, and IL-17 and to increase an anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10. Further study revealed that the anti-inflammatory action of IMD mediates through inhibition of the expression of Toll-like receptor-4.