Integrated omics profiling of dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitic mice supplemented with Wolfberry (Lycium barbarum)

We used a multi-omics profiling approach to investigate the suppressive effects of 2% Wolfberry (WOL)-enriched diets on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. It was observed that in mice fed the WOL diet, the disease activity index, colon shortening, plasma concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase-3 and relative mesenteric fat weight were significantly improved as compared to the DSS group. Results from colon transcriptome and proteome profiles showed that WOL supplementation significantly ameliorated the expression of genes and proteins associated with the integrity of the colonic mucosal wall and colonic inflammation. Based on the hepatic transcriptome, proteome and metabolome data, genes involved in fatty acid metabolism, proteins involved in inflammation and metabolites related to glycolysis were downregulated in WOL mice, leading to lowered inflammation and changes in these molecules may have led to improvement in body weight loss. The integrated nutrigenomic approach thus revealed the molecular mechanisms underlying the ameliorative effect of whole WOL fruit consumption on inflammatory bowel disease.