Figure 4

Enhancing Elafin production by L . lactis htrA mutant strain, as determined by Western blot (A) and ELISA (B) experiments, led to higher protective effects in a DSS-induced murine colitis model. C57BL/6 mice (n = 8 in each group) were given water or water containing 5% DSS for 7 days and then received daily oral treatments for 7 days with either, vehicle (PBS), L. lactis WT, Elafin-expressing L. lactis (L. lactis Elafin) or Elafin-expressing L. lactis-htra (L. lactis Elafin+). The macroscopic damage score (C) of the colon is shown. Elastolytic (D) and trypsinolytic (E) activities were assessed in colonic lumenal washes. Significant differences is * for p < 0.05 , ** for p < 0.01 *** for p < 0.001.