CPW partially attenuates DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in mice.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) of the gastrointestinal tract. The etiology is not fully understood, but environmental, microbial, and immunologic factors, as well as a genetic predisposition, play a role. UC is characterized by episodes of abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloody stools, weight loss, severe colonic inflammation, and ulceration. Despite the increase in the frequency of UC and the deterioration of the quality of life, there are still patients who do not respond well to available treatment options. Against this background, natural products such as polysaccharides are becoming increasingly important as they protect the intestinal mucosa, promote wound healing, relieve inflammation and pain, and restore intestinal motility. In this study, we investigated the effect of a polysaccharide isolated from the biomass of Campomanesia adamantium and Campomanesia pubescens (here referred to as CPW) in an experimental model of acute and chronic ulcerative colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). CPW reversed weight loss, increased disease activity index (DAI), bloody diarrhea, and colon shortening. In addition, CPW reduced visceral mechanical hypersensitivity, controlled oxidative stress and inflammation, and protected the mucosal barrier. CPW is not absorbed in the intestine, does not inhibit cytochrome P450 proteins, and does not exhibit AMES toxicity. These results suggest that CPW attenuates DSS-induced acute and chronic colitis in mice and may be a potential alternative treatment for UC.

Polysaccharides from Passion Fruit Peels: From an Agroindustrial By-Product to a Viable Option for 5-FU-Induced Intestinal Damage.

Gastrointestinal mucositis is a serious and dose-limiting toxic side effect of oncologic treatment. Interruption of cancer treatment due to gastrointestinal mucositis leads to a significant decrease in cure rates and consequently to the deterioration of a patient's quality of life. Natural polysaccharides show a variety of beneficial effects, including a gastroprotective effect. Treatment with soluble dietary fiber (SDF) from yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) biomass residues protected the gastric and intestinal mucosa in models of gastrointestinal injury. In this study, we investigated the protective therapeutic effect of SDF on 5-FU-induced mucositis in male and female mice. Oral treatment of the animals with SDF did not prevent weight loss but reduced the disease activity index and preserved normal intestinal function by alleviating diarrhea and altered gastrointestinal transit. SDF preserved the length of the colon and histological damage caused by 5-FU. SDF significantly restored the oxidative stress and inflammation in the intestine and the enlargement and swelling of the spleen induced by 5-FU. In conclusion, SDF may be a promising adjuvant strategy for the prevention and treatment of intestinal mucositis induced by 5-FU.

Protective Effect of Dietary Polysaccharides from Yellow Passion Fruit Peel on DSS-Induced Colitis in Mice.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a complex inflammatory disorder characterized by chronic and spontaneously relapsing inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. IBD includes two idiopathic disorders: Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). In particular, UC causes inflammation and ulceration of the colon and rectum. There is no cure for UC. The pharmacological treatment is aimed at controlling and/or reducing the inflammatory process and promoting disease remission. The present study investigated the possible protective effects of soluble dietary fiber (SDF) isolated from yellow passion fruit peel in the dextran sulfate sodium- (DSS-) induced colitis model in mice, induced by 5% of DSS. The animals were treated with SDF (10, 30, or 100 mg/kg (po)), and the disease activity index was monitored. Colon tissues were collected, measured, and prepared for oxidative stress, inflammation, and histology analysis. SDF improved body weight loss, colon length, and disease activity index and prevented colonic oxidative stress by regulating GSH levels and SOD activity. Furthermore, SDF reduced colonic MPO activity, TNF-α, and IL-1ß levels and increased IL-10 and IL-6 levels. As observed by histological analysis, SDF treatment preserved the colonic tissue, the mucus barrier, and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration. Although this is a preliminary study, taken together, our data indicate that SDF may improve the course of DSS-UC. More studies are needed to explore and understand how SDF promotes this protection.

Beneficial Effects of Polysaccharides on the Epithelial Barrier Function in Intestinal Mucositis.

Intestinal mucositis is a clinically relevant side effect of anticancer therapies. It is experienced by 60-100% of patients undergoing treatment with high doses of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and bone marrow transplantation. Intestinal mucositis can manifest as pain, weight loss, inflammation, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and infection; affecting normal nutritional intake and intestinal function. It often impacts adherence to anticancer therapy as it frequently limits patient's ability to tolerate treatment, causing schedule delays, interruptions, or premature discontinuation. In some cases, local and systemic secondary infections are observed, increasing the costs toward medical care and hospitalization. Several strategies for managing mucositis are available which do not always halt this condition. In this context, new therapeutic strategies are under investigation to prevent or treat intestinal mucositis. Polysaccharides from natural resources have recently become promising molecules against intestinal damage due to their ability to promote mucosal healing and their anti-inflammatory actions. These effects are associated with the protection of intestinal mucosa and regulation of microbiota and immune system. This review aims to discuss the recent advances of polysaccharides from natural resources as potential therapies for intestinal mucositis. The source, species, doses, treatment schedules, and mechanisms of action of polysaccharides will be discussed in detail.