The antimicrobial peptide Abaecin alleviates colitis in mice by regulating inflammatory signaling pathways and intestinal microbial composition

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of Abaecin on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) -induced ulcerative colitis in mice and to explore its related mechanisms. Methods Twenty-four mice with similar body weight were randomly divided into 4 groups. 2.5% DSS was added to drinking water to induce colitis in mice. Mice were executed after Abaecin administration treatment, and mouse serum and tissues were collected. We measured the concentration of serum inflammatory cytokines in mice and produced colon tissue sections to observe the damage to the colonic structure. Then, we assessed the integrity of the intestinal barrier by the expression of intestinal tight junction proteins. In addition, we determined the phosphorylation levels of NF-κb/MAPK inflammatory signaling pathway proteins and the microbial composition of the intestinal flora to preliminarily investigate the alleviation mechanism of ulcerative colitis by Abaecin. Results The results showed that Abaecin significantly alleviated histological damage and intestinal mucosal barrier damage caused by colitis, reduced the concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the phosphorylation of NF-κB / MAPK inflammatory signaling pathway proteins, and improved the composition of intestinal microorganisms. Conclusion These findings suggest that Abaecin may have potential prospects for the treatment of ulcerative colitis.