Faecalibacterium prausnitzii Colonization Attenuates Gut Inflammation and Epithelial Damage in a DSS-Induced Colitis Mice Model

Background: Reduction of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii abundance is related to inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), and supplement of it exists protective effects. Aim: This study aimed to establish a F. prausnitzii-colonized mouse model and investigate that the presence of F. prausnitzii in the gut can ameliorate the severity of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. Methods: A F. prausnitzii (ATCC 27768) strain was maintained on the PS-BHI agar plates and manipulated in a strictly anaerobic chamber. A F. prausnitzii-colonized C57BL/6 mice model was tested by a rectal enema with 1 x 10(9) bacteria/day for 3 days. The 5% DSS was added to drinking water for 3 days to induce colitis and diarrhea in experimental mice. The clinical, cytological, and histological severities were compared between groups. Results: The F. prausnitzii-colonized mice model was successfully established via rectal enema with the property of transfer to offspring. DSS treatment altered gut microbiota and significantly attenuated the abundance of F. prausnitzii in colonized mice. Mice with F. prausnitzii colonization had significantly improved weight loss, anal bleeding, stool consistency, cecum weight, colon length, and serum amyloid A (SAA) level than those without after DSS treatment. Furthermore, the F. prausnitzii-colonized mice significantly reduced the transcription levels of TNF-alpha, INF-gamma and IL-18, and epithelial damage and PMN infiltration in the lamina propria and had better preservation of goblet cells than the control group. Conclusion: We have successfully established a mouse model colonized with F. prausnitzii via rectal enema administration and showed colonization of F. prausnitzii in the gut has a protective effect against DSS-induced colitis.