The highly stabilized biologically derived peptide VIESPPEI alleviates DSS-induced colitis in mice by preventing colonic atrophy and modulating gut microbiota

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a recurrent gastrointestinal infection within the spectrum of inflammatory bowel disease, posing risks associated with long-term medication. Consequently, this study aimed to investigate the effects of novel duck liver protein-derived bioactive peptides, characterized by a higher safety profile, on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. The results indicated that the retention rate of VIESPPEI remained above 80% following simulated gastrointestinal digestion in vitro, demonstrating strong stability and practical application potential. The peptide VIESPPEI was found to alleviate weight loss in colitis-afflicted mice, inhibit the elevation of the disease activity index (DAI), and significantly improve symptoms such as atrophy and shortening of the colon. Histological examination further confirmed that VIESPPEI intake promoted the recovery of acute colitis in mice. Additionally, it significantly reduced myeloperoxidase activity and increased superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in the colon tissues of UC mice. Notably, a substantial increase in beneficial gut microbiota and the populations of three beneficial bacteria species (Anaplasma spp., Tannabacterium spp., and Bifidobacterium spp.) that produce short-chain fatty acids, along with a decrease in pathogenic groups such as Streptococcus and Turicibacter, may account for the improvement in colitis observed in UC mice treated with VIESPPEI. This study provides new evidence that VIESPPEI alleviates UC and provides a theoretical basis for the development of functional peptide beverages.