Dietary purple potatoes shape gut microbiota and ameliorate colitis in IL-10-deficient mice

This study explored the benefits of purple potatoes against colitis in IL-10-deficient mice. Mice were fed either a standard diet or one supplemented with 10 % purple potato for 11 weeks. The results demonstrated that purple potato intake notably improved colitis symptoms and pathobiological scores. It induced significant changes in the gut bacteria, reducing harmful phyla associated with colitis, Proteobacteria and Deferribacteres, while increasing beneficial phyla, Firmicutes and Tenericutes. It increased the abundance of Bifidobacteriaceae, Porphyromonadaceae, and Lachnospiraceae-Ruminococcaceae, a major butyrate-producing group while decreasing bacterial families commonly elevated in IBD patients, including Bacteroidaceae, Sutterellaceae, Coriobacteriaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, and Peptostreptococcaceae. Additionally, purple potatoes boosted intestinal integrity, evidenced by increased goblet cell density and enhanced expression of key markers in maintaining gut health. Furthermore, they promoted mitochondrial function and reduced levels of inflammatory cytokines. Collectively, purple potatoes show promise in protecting against colitis through their effects on gut microbiota, intestinal integrity, and oxidative function.