Effect of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum DSW3805 Isolated from Kimchi for Gut Health Attenuating Colonic Inflammation in a Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Mouse Model

<b>Background/Objectives:</b><i>Lactiplantibacillus plantarum</i> DSW3805 was isolated from Korean kimchi samples to examine its effect in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced mouse model. <b>Methods:</b> To induce colitis, mice were treated with DSS for one week before sacrifice (<i>n</i> = 8 per group, total <i>n</i> = 40). <i>Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus</i> GG (10⁹ CFU/day) or probiotics (<i>L. plantarum</i> DSW3805; 10⁸ or 10⁹ CFU/day) were administered for two weeks. To assess colitis damage, we evaluated the disease activity index, colon tissue, inflammatory factors, the microbiome, short-chain fatty acids, and intestine-related factors. <b>Results:</b> DSS induced colonic tissue damage (colon length, mucus thickness, and colonic crypts), and <i>L. plantarum</i> DSW3805 alleviated the tissue damage. Induced inflammation was reduced by inhibiting TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, IgA, IgG, LTB4, PGE2, and NF-κB protein expression. The ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes in the PC group (DSS-treated control) was lower than that in the NC (DSS-nontreated control); <i>L. plantarum</i> DSW3805 increased the ratio. Higher concentrations of acetic, propionic, and butyric acids were detected in probiotic groups. In addition, harmful factors, such as calprotectin and β-glucuronidase, were reduced in the probiotic groups. <b>Conclusions:</b><i>L. plantarum</i> DSW3805 alleviates gut damage by colitis; therefore, it can be used as a functional food to improve gut health.