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The changes in structure analysis of PSPI indicated that ultrasound treatment could induce molecular unfolding of protein, which might be helpful for improving the functional properties and efficiency of enzymatic hydrolysis. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

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This study investigated the preventive effects of α-ketoglutarate (α-KG, in the form of sodium salt) on a Citrobacter rodentium (CR)-induced colitis and explored potential mechanisms. The results demonstrated that CR caused body weight loss and colon length shortening, which were abrogated by the α-KG administration. The colon length of mice in the α-KG plus CR group was significantly higher than that of mice in the CR group (6.9 ± 0.59 (mean ± SD) vs 6.1 ± 0.55; P < 0.05). This beneficial effect was associated with regulating endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress signaling. In addition, small intestinal organoids generated from intestinal crypts of mice were exposed to α-KG in the presence of TNF-α or IWR-1 to assess stem cell activity in vitro. The results demonstrated that TNF-α exposure decreased the viability of organoids and impaired barrier function by suppressing Wnt signaling, which was abolished by α-KG. Interestingly, the protective effect of α-KG on intestinal barrier function was abrogated by the inhibitor of Wnt signaling in the intestinal organoids. Taken together, α-KG restored barrier function by regulating ER stress and activating Wnt/β-catenin-medicated intestinal stem cell proliferation and differentiation.