Multi-Omics and Molecular Docking Reveal That Oats and Oat Bran Alleviate Chronic Colitis Via IL-17 Pathway Modulation.

Diet plays a critical role in the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Our previous work demonstrated that oats and oat bran alleviate dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice by modulating the gut microbiota. To further explore the underlying mechanisms, this study combined metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses to systematically compare the effects of whole oats and oat bran interventions on chronic colitis. Untargeted metabolomics analysis identified three key metabolites, ursodeoxycholic acid, 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid, and avenanthramide C. The interactions between these metabolites and core proteins of the IL-17 signaling pathway (IL-17A, TRAF6, and ACT1) were evaluated via molecular docking. Transcriptomic and RT-qPCR analyses revealed that both oats and oat bran interventions modulated the IL-17, PI3K-Akt, and TNF signaling pathways. These treatments significantly upregulated the expression of tight junction proteins (claudin-1, claudin-5, occludin) while reducing levels of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Molecular docking results demonstrated stable binding between the three metabolites and target proteins primarily through hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions, with ursodeoxycholic acid exhibiting the highest binding affinity. Collectively, these findings suggest that oats and oat bran may alleviate chronic colitis by modulating the IL-17 signaling pathway and enhancing intestinal barrier function.