Ameliorative effect of tuna elastin peptides on AIA mice by regulating the composition of intestinal microorganisms and SCFAs.

Elastin peptides display a wide range of biological activities. This study aimed to investigate the ameliorative effect of tuna elastin peptides on adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA). The daily administration of tuna elastin peptides markedly downregulated the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and upregulated the immunosuppressive cytokines in the serum, bone, and colon of the AIA model. 16S rRNA sequencing showed that tuna elastin peptide-treated mice exhibited reversed gut microbiota dysbiosis and increased abundance of Lactobacillus and Clostridium. Additionally, metabolomics indicated that short-chain fatty acid (SCFAs) production was increased in tuna elastin peptide-treated mice. The ameliorating arthritis effects of tuna elastin peptides were transmitted by transplanting the fecal microbiota from mice treated with high levels of elastin peptides. These results indicate the potential of tuna elastin peptides as beneficial functional food that ameliorates rheumatoid arthritis. All rights reserved, Elsevier.