In contrast, pre-treatment with Bb-CM by i.p. route induced a significant protection against colitis (WS = 1.7±0.8, 62% protection) and a statistically significant decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokine expression [IL-1β, CXCL1 (equivalent to human IL-8), COX2, IL-23, IL-6]. The gene discussed is CXCL1; the disease is colitis.