ArticleGeroScience2026
Probiotics reduce the severity of DSS-induced colitis in aged mice by enhancing intestinal barrier function and modulating gut microbiota.
Article in GeroScience, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Abstract
Elderly individuals with ulcerative colitis (UC) require specialized care given their prevalent multimorbidity, decreased physiologic reserves, and greater predisposition to adverse outcomes. Therefore, finding safe and effective treatments for this population is crucial. This study investigated whether probiotic mixtures of either Clostridium butyricum and Bifidobacterium infantis (hereinafter designated CB) or VSL#3 (a mixture of eight bacterial species) may reduce the severity of colitis and examined the pathogenesis of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in aged mice. Male C57BL/6 mice aged 14-18 months were treated with DSS to induce acute colitis. CB and VSL#3 were administered by gavage. Colitis severity was assessed quantitatively through disease activity index (DAI), histopathologic scores, and colon length. Intestinal epithelial cells were examined by transmission electron microscopy. Intestinal barrier Function was evaluated by Western blot assays of E-cadherin and occludin expressions. Microbiota of stool and colonic mucosa were characterized by 16S rRNA analysis. CB and VSL#3 alleviated colitis, evidenced by significantly lower DAI and histopathologic scores and increased colon lengths. CB- and VSL#3-treated mice exhibited the arrangement of epithelial cell surface microvilli in neat rows and clear and complete tight junction strands and desmosomes. CB increased E-cadherin and occludin expressions. CB-treated mice exhibited higher levels of beneficial bacteria (Clostridium_sensu_stricto, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group). VSL#3-treated mice exhibited increased levels of Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1. In conclusion, both CB and VSL#3 reduced the severity of colitis in aged mice by enhancing intestinal barrier function and modulating gut microbiota. These findings underscore the potential therapeutic benefits of probiotics in elderly UC patients.
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