FIG 9.

Schematic model showing the potential mechanism of feeding sodium alginate (ALG) that alleviated DSS-induced colitis. Dietary ALG induced an alteration in the gut microbiota to enrich probiotic bacteria such as Bifidobacterium animalis, which subsequently led to an increased production of hyodeoxycholic acid (HDCA), which is biotransformed from β-muricholic acid (βMCA) by BA 7-dehydroxylase (baiJ), triggering a cascade of anti-inflammatory responses by activating bile acid receptor, farnesoid X receptor (FXR), and the NF-κB signaling pathway. Ultimately, intestinal epithelial homeostasis is attenuated and colitis was attenuated.