Influence of Porphyra-derived polysaccharides and oligosaccharides on attenuating food allergy and modulating enteric microflora in mice

ABSTRACT Recently, there have been reports on the immunomodulatory properties of polysaccharides (PP), oligosaccharides (PO), and mixtures of PO/PP derived from Porphyra. To explore their potential in alleviating allergic responses and enteric dysbiosis, this study delved deeper into their effects using a murine model of food allergy. Daily administration of Porphyra samples mitigated allergic diarrhea, enteritis, and allergen-specific IgE production. Moreover, Porphyra samples exerted a significant reduction in the secretion of IL-2, IL-4, IFN-γ, and IL-17A, along with an elevation in the IL-10/IL-4 ratio in splenocytes upon allergen stimulation. Similarly, expression of IL-4 and IFN-γ in the duodenum was suppressed. Notably, allergic mice displayed a distinct fecal microflora profile compared to that of normal mice. Interestingly, PP and PO treatments exhibited different effects on improving enteric dysbiosis. These findings collectively suggest the potential of PP and PO as functional food candidates for the management of allergic enteritis and dysbiosis.