Fig. 2

The combination drug reduced proinflammatory cytokine levels. C57BL/6 mice were treated orally with 3% DSS in distilled water ad libitum from days 0 to 4 and thereafter received regular drinking water. On day 3 after DSS administration, the probiotic complex or the combination drug (100 mg/mouse) was administered orally (n = 5/group). On day 10 after DSS administration, colon tissue sections were stained with antibodies against TNF-α (a), IL-6 (b), and IL-1β (c). Representative histological features are shown, and the results are presented as mean ± SD numbers of antibody-positive cells (n = 5/group). Scale bar, 100 µm. ^*p < 0.05, ^**p < 0.01, ^***p < 0.001. Vehicle vs. probiotic complex or combination drug treatment