A metabolomic explanation on beneficial effects of dietary Goji on intestine inflammation

Abstract

Chronic gut inflammation is an important risk factor for colorectal cancer (CRC). Our recent study suggests that dietary Goji reduces gut inflammation and increases Bifidobacteria and butyrate-producing bacteria in interleukin-10-deficient mice. This study profiled faecal metabolomic changes of the same cohort of mice. Thirty-four compounds were altered due to Goji supplementation, including polyunsaturated long-chain fatty acids (PUFAs), sugar and sugar alcohols, benzene derivatives, pyridine derivatives, dicarboxylic acids and short-chain hydroxy acids. Pathway analysis showed that α-linolenic acid and linoleic acid metabolism were strongly affected by Goji supplementation. Four ω-6 PUFAs, including linoleic acid and arachidonic acid were reduced due to Goji supplementation. Faecal levels of most amino acids, positively correlated with gut inflammation and CRC risk, tended to decrease in the Goji supplemented group along with decreased urease activity. Data provide valuable metabolic clues for unravelling the beneficial effects of Goji supplementation against gut inflammation and related disease.

Keywords

• Colorectal cancer
• Goji
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Interleukin-10
• Metabolomics
• GC–MS