Disrupted Metabolism in the brain of DSS-induced inflammatory bowel disease model mice

Motivation: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been associated with neuropsychiatric symptoms through bidirectional brain-gut interactions, yet the underlying brain mechanisms remain unclear. Goal(s): This study aimed to identify brain metabolic abnormalities in acute and chronic IBD in a murine model. Approach: Using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), we assessed cortex and hippocampus metabolites in C57BL/6J male mice post-DSS-induced rectal inflammation, with acute and long-term recovery phases. Results: DSS exposure reduced total Choline and taurine in both brain regions, with tNAA remaining partially unrecovered in chronic recovery phase. Correlation analyses suggest altered astrocytic function in glutamate uptake due to IBD. Impact: This study provides insights into brain metabolic disruptions associated with acute and chronic IBD, linking neuroinflammatory changes to potential neuropsychiatric symptoms. Future multifaceted analyses could elucidate brain alterations in IBD, enhancing understanding of the brain-gut axis and therapeutic approaches.