Protective Properties of the White Button Mushroom, <i>Agaricus bisporus</i>, in a Mouse Model of Colitis

Previous work demonstrated the promising immunomodulatory potential of a naturally derived whole mushroom powder (WMP) from the white button mushroom, Agaricus bisporus. Here, we further investigate the protective properties of WMP in a mouse model of colitis. An in vitro digested WMP (IVD-WMP) reduced permeability of intestinal epithelial Caco-2 and HT-29-MTX cell monolayers to FITC dextran. In vivo, WMP orally administered to mice as a pretreatment before induction of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. Though statistically significant decreases in disease scores were not reported, we observed an antiinflammatory and antioxidative stress profile in the colon. Additionally, 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) microbiome analysis revealed differences in bacterial abundance associated with WMP pretreatment, including a decrease in Allobaculum species associated with inflammatory bowel disease. In a DSS-colitis recovery model, WMP promoted recovery as evidenced by improved weight gain, reduced stool scores, reduced IL-1β levels, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in colonic tissue. This work demonstrates the health benefits associated with the consumption of the white button mushroom, including support of intestinal barrier integrity combined with antioxidant and antiinflammatory activity.