Inhibitory effects and amino acid metabolism regulations of active polyphenol from foxtail millet bran on chronic colitis in mice

BPLP administration restored body weight and colon length, protected epithelial structure from DSS-induced damage, and relieved chronic colitis. In colons, BPLP reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β), enhanced the secretion of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, and upregulated the expression of tight junction proteins. Nontarget metabolomic results showed that BPLP alleviated colitis by modulating amino acid metabolism pathways, including valine/leucine/isoleucine biosynthesis,phenylalanine/tyrosine/tryptophan biosynthesis, and phenylalanine metabolism. Furthermore, alterations in specific amino acids, such as valine and beta-alanine, were consistent with profiles observed in clinical IBD patients. Collectively, these results indicate that BPLP effectively alleviates chronic colitis in mice and regulates inflammation-related amino acid metabolism <i>in vivo</i>.