Fructo-oligosaccharide Reduces Inflammation in a Dextran Sodium Sulphate Mouse Model of Colitis

Fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) is a prebiotic that stimulates the colonic growth of bifidobacteria to promote intestinal health. This study assessed whether FOS can reduce intestinal damage associated with ulcerative colitis and accelerate recovery in a mouse model. C57BL/6 mice received 2% dextran sulphate sodium for 7 days (days 8–14). FOS (1.5 g/mL) treatment was administered twice daily (n=10/group): before and during colitis (days 1–14); during colitis (days 10–14); and during colitis and the recovery period (days 10–19). Disease activity was scored daily and colonic damage was assessed by histological analysis. FOS treatment significantly reduced disease activity and damage in the distal colon (P < .05). Treatment with FOS (days 10–14) had increased crypt depth (116±6 μm) compared to water treatment (90±4 μm, P < .05). FOS treatment (days 10–19) produced a faster recovery from damage with increased crypt depth and crypt area. These results demonstrate the protective effect of FOS treatment.