Plum-derived exosome-like nanovesicles alleviate DSS-induced colitis through gut and liver protection

Abstract

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a digestive tract disorder characterized by chronic intestinal inflammation, leading to various symptoms and complications. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of plum-derived exosome-like nanovesicles (PNVs) on the gut–liver axis in a mouse model of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced acute colitis. In this study, when PNVs were administered orally once daily for a week to mice with DSS-induced acute colitis, they were found to restore colon length, repair colonic epithelial damage, and regulate intestinal microbial composition. In addition, it was confirmed that PNVs were in the size range of 100–200 nm via measurement through nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and thus were successfully separated. In addition, PNVs safely reached several organs of the mouse model through uptake, and it was confirmed that the damaged intestinal function was restored not only in vivo but also in vitro. Moreover, the PNVs inhibited oxidative stress marker proteins and significantly reduced DSS-induced intestinal permeability, endotoxemia, and inflammation-related bowel and liver damage. Therefore, this study suggests that PNVs may alleviate IBD and protect the gut–liver axis through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.