A pea (Pisum sativum L.) seed albumin extract prevents colonic DSS induced dysbiosis in mice

This study investigates the effects of a pea (Pisum sativum) seed albumin extract (PSE) on the colonic microbiota in a model of experimental dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. Male C57BL/6J mice were assigned to three groups: one non-colitic and two colitic. Colitis was induced by incorporating DSS (3.5%) in the drinking water for four days, after which DSS was removed. The pre-treated group received orally PSE (15 g/kg·day) starting two weeks before colitis induction, and was maintained for nine days after. Mice pre-treated with PSE showed a recovery in colon length compared with non-treated DSS group. Both RT-qPCR and pyrosequencing analysis showed that DSS induced significant modifications in the microbiota composition of colonic contents and tissue. In conclusion, PSE modulated colonic microbiota in a model of experimental dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in mice, and prevented colonic DSS induced dysbiosis in mice.