Live Aspergillus cristatum from Fuzhuan Brick Tea Alleviates DSS-Induced Colitis by Intestinal Barrier Restoration and Suppressing NLRP3 Signaling Pathway Regulation

Probiotics are considered an effective strategy for relieving DSS-induced colitis. This study investigated the protective effects and mechanisms of <i>Aspergillus cristatum</i>, a potential probiotic fungus from Fuzhuan brick tea, on colitis. Supplementation with live 10² spores/mL of <i>A. cristatum</i> H-1 and 10⁵ spores/mL of <i>A. cristatum</i> S-6 significantly improved gut integrity by preventing colon shortening, mucus disruption, and goblet cell depletion. Additionally, it significantly reduced proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α levels, enhanced the expression of tight junction molecules (ZO-1, Claudin-1, E-cadherin, and MUC1) and suppressed the NLRP3 signaling pathway. Live <i>A. cristatum</i> H-1 (10² spores/mL) and <i>A. cristatum</i> S-6 (10⁵ spores/mL) can effectively improve colitis. But the inactivated <i>A. cristatum</i> H-1 did not exhibit effective anti-inflammatory effects and significant interspecies differences. In a word, live low-dose <i>A. cristatum</i> H-1 and high-dose <i>A. cristatum</i> S-6 promise a valuable approach to improving colitis. This research not only enhances our understanding of probiotics and their potential therapeutic uses but also sets the stage for future investigations into the mechanisms of action and clinical utilization of <i>A. cristatum</i> in treating colitis and other gut disorders.