Moderating Gut Microbiome/Mitochondrial Axis in Oxazolone Induced Ulcerative Colitis: The Evolving Role of β-Glucan and/or, Aldose Reductase Inhibitor, Fidarestat

Abstract: A mechanistic understanding of the dynamic interactions between the mitochondria and
the gut microbiome is thought to offer innovative explanations for many diseases and thus provide
innovative management approaches, especially in GIT-related autoimmune diseases, such as ulcerative colitis (UC). β-Glucans, important components of many nutritious diets, including oats and
mushrooms, have been shown to exhibit a variety of biological anti-inflammatory and immunemodulating actions. Our research study sought to provide insight into the function of β-glucan
and/or fidarestat in modifying the microbiome/mitochondrial gut axis in the treatment of UC. A
total of 50 Wistar albino male rats were grouped into five groups: control, UC, β-Glucan, Fidarestat,
and combined treatment groups. All the groups were tested for the presence of free fatty acid receptors 2 and 3 (FFAR-2 and -3) and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) mRNA gene expressions. The reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and ATP
content were found. The trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels
were also examined. Nuclear factor kappa β (NF-kβ), nuclear factor (erythroid-2)-related factor 2
(Nrf2) DNA binding activity, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator-1
(PGC-1) were identified using the ELISA method. We observed a substantial increase FFAR-2, -3,
and TFAM mRNA expression after the therapy. Similar increases were seen in the ATP levels, MMP,
SCFA, PGC-1, and Nrf2 DNA binding activity. The levels of ROS, TMAO, and NF-kβ, on the other
hand, significantly decreased. Using β-glucan and fidarestat together had unique therapeutic benefits in treating UC by focusing on the microbiota/mitochondrial axis, opening up a new avenue for
a potential treatment for such a complex, multidimensional illness.