Synbiotic regulation of chronic intestinal inflammation by Sargassum horneri fucoidan and Lactobacillus plantarum

Severe inflammation in the intestinal tract is a hallmark of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The present study explores the synbiotic potential of bloom seaweed Sargassum horneri fucoidan with Lactobacillus plantarum in preventing intestinal inflammation. Six fucoidan fractions were isolated via DEAE anion exchange chromatography, with SHF6 showing the highest sulfate and fucose content and significantly promoting L. plantarum growth. Synbiotic treatment of SHF6 and L. plantarum on 3 % DSS-induced HT-29 cells significantly improved cell viability, downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, IL-12, IL-1β), downregulated NF-κB/IL6/STAT3 pathway protein expression, and restored tight junction protein expression. In DSS-induced zebrafish larvae, the synbiotic treatment improved healthy intestinal lysosome number and improved mucin production. qPCR analysis showed decreased IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and iNOS gene expressions and increased mucin 2 expression. These findings indicated that SHF6 and L. plantarum exhibit synergistic anti-inflammatory effects, highlighting their potential as a promising therapy for intestinal inflammation.