Clostridium sporogenes-derived metabolites protect against colonic inflammation

Purpose: Gut microbiota-derived metabolites play a pivotal role in the maintenance of local gut homeostasis and can even induce systemic effects via accumulation in the bloodstream. Here, we demonstrate that mono-colonization of germ-free (GF) mice with Clostridium sporogenes protects mice from inflamation and death induced by DSS colitis. Method: 8-12-week-old male mice (GF, SPF and GF colonized with C. sporogenes (CS)) were treated with 2.5% DSS in drinking water for 5 days and colon tissue was isolated on day 7. RNA was isolated from the colon tissue and RNA sequenzing was performed. Results: Mono-colonization of GF mice with Clostridium sporogenes protected the mice from DSS colitis induced death, while producing high amounts of indole-3-propionic acid (IPA), branched chain (BCFA) and short-chain (SCFA) fatty acids. In comparison to CS mice, SPF mice showed much higher levels of inflammatory related genes and a worse histological score. Conclusion: Histological stainings and the RNAseq both showed high levels of protection of C. sporogenes colonized mice in colitis, compared to SPF and GF animals. The data provide evidence for a therapeutic potential of C. sporogenes for IBD patients.