Protective effect of <i>Stropharia rugosoannulata</i> polysaccharide and its derivatives on dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis

Abstract Ulcerative colitis is a common inflammatory bowel disease. This study evaluated the protective effect and potential mechanism of Stropharia rugosoannulata polysaccharide (SP-1a) and its carboxymethylated and phosphorylated derivatives (CSP-1a and PSP-1a) against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis. The results showed that treatment with SP-1a and its derivatives alleviated the symptoms of weight loss, colon shortening, and blood in the stool induced by. SP-1a and its derivatives restore the integrity of the intestinal barrier by controlling the expression of tight junction proteins. Furthermore, they play an anti-inflammatory role by reducing oxidative stress and inhibiting the expression of pro-inflammatory factors, pro-inflammatory proteins, and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathways. The anti-inflammatory effects of CSP-1a and PSP-1a were greater than those of SP-1a. These results indicate that SP-1a could be a potential natural medicine to protect against DSS-induced colitis.