Propionyl-Fructooligosaccharide Alleviates DSS-Induced Colitis in Association with Changes in Gut Microbiota, Inflammatory Responses, and Intestinal Barrier Function

Propionyl-fructooligosaccharide (P-FOS), an esterified prebiotic synthesized from fructooligosaccharides and propionic acid, was evaluated in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model. P-FOS treatment was associated with lower disease activity, attenuated colon shortening, reduced histological injury, and the preservation of goblet cells. P-FOS also decreased the expression of several inflammation-associated markers and increased barrier-related gene and protein expression, including Muc2 mRNA and occludin protein. In addition, P-FOS treatment was associated with changes in gut microbial diversity and composition and with altered colonic short-chain fatty acid profiles. Because gastrointestinal stability, ester bond cleavage, and direct propionate release from P-FOS were not determined, these findings should not be interpreted as direct evidence of a colon-targeted release mechanism. Overall, P-FOS showed protective effects in DSS-induced colitis and warrants further investigation as an esterified prebiotic.