ABSTRACT
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic disease with multiple complications during its development, and it is difficult to cure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the alleviating effect of different concentrations of the bioactive peptide IQW (Ile-Gln-Trp) on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. For this study, we randomly divided 56 ICR mice into seven groups: the (I) control (CON), (II) dextran sodium sulfate treatment (2.5% DSS), (III) IQW-DSS (20 µg/ml) treatment, (IV) IQW-DSS (40 µg/ml) treatment, (V) IQW-DSS (60 µg/ml) treatment, (VI) IQW-DSS (80 µg/ml) treatment, and (VII) IQW-DSS (100 µg/ml) groups. The results showed that IQW at 60 µg/ml alleviated body weight loss, improved the liver index (p < 0.05), and improved histomorphological and pathological changes in the colon compared to the DSS-treated group. IQW at 60 µg/ml and IQW at 80 µg/ml modified intestinal microbial disorders. In addition, IQW at 60 µg/ml significantly increased butyric acid levels and decreased valeric acid levels, while IQW at 80 µg/ml significantly increased isobutyric acid and isovaleric acid levels. Hence, IQW at a concentration of 60 µg/ml alleviates DSS-induced colitis by enhancing the body's anti-inflammatory ability and regulating intestinal flora and metabolic changes. In the above context, IQW at 60 µg/ml could be a potential candidate for IBD prevention and treatment.