Phosvitin Alleviates Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis in Mice via Gut Microbiota Modulation

Dietary proteins have been demonstrated to alleviate ulcerative colitis. Phosvitin (PSV), a highly phosphorylated protein, possesses biological functions such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. This study aimed to investigate the preventive effects of PSV on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice and its underlying mechanisms. Following 4 weeks of PSV intervention (50 mg/kg b.w.), a colitis model was established by administering 2.5% DSS for 1 week. Results showed that PSV intervention significantly attenuated intestinal inflammation, reduced proinflammatory cytokine levels (e.g., TNF-α), and preserved intestinal barrier integrity. Furthermore, PSV modulated the gut microbiota by enhancing microbial diversity, decreasing the abundance of <i>Escherichia-Shigella</i> and <i>Akkermansia</i>, while increasing the abundance of <i>Lachnospiraceae</i> and <i>Clostridium</i>. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) experiments further demonstrated the pivotal role of gut microbiota in PSV-mediated colitis prevention, as FMT from PSV-treated donor mice markedly alleviated colitis symptoms, achieving efficacy comparable to that of direct PSV intervention. These findings suggest that PSV alleviates colitis primarily through gut microbiota modulation.