大鼠溃疡性结肠炎模型的实验研究

目的对不同剂量的三硝基苯磺酸（ＴＮＢＳ）引起的大鼠溃疡性结肠炎（ＵＣ）模型进行观察和评价。方法采用一次性直肠注入大鼠ＴＮＢＳ（２５～１５０ｍｇ·ｋｇ－１）的３０％乙醇溶液，引起慢性炎症性肠疾病（ＩＢＤ），３ｗｋ后外死动物对各剂量下动物结肠的重量、髓过氧化物酶（ＭＰＯ）活性及组织形态学变化进行观察和评价。结果ＴＮＢＳ在１００～１５０ｍｇ·ｋｇ－１剂量下引起的ＵＣ肠壁明显增厚，炎症和溃疡至少维持７ｗｋ时间，ＭＰＯ活性值显著性升高，组织学检查发现粘膜及粘膜下层有大量中性粒细胞及淋巴细胞、巨噬细胞、纤维细胞浸润，肉芽组织及隐窝脓肿形成，５０ｍｇ·ｋｇ－１剂量时有一较轻度的损伤。２５ｍｇ·ｋｇ－１时对结肠的重量、ＭＰＯ活性及损伤指数都没有显著性改变（Ｐ＞０．０５）。结论用ＴＮＢＳ引起大鼠实验性ＵＣ，其溃疡和炎症维持一较长时间，这一病理特征为炎症性疾病防治药物的研究提供了条件；本模型的最佳剂量为１００ｍｇ·ｋｇ－１左右     

Effect of intracolonic benzalkonium chloride on trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid-induced colitis in the rat

Background:

We investigated the effects of benzalkonium chloride (BAC) on trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis in rats.

Methods:

TNBS was administered intrarectally before and/or after BAC treatment. In the first study, the effects of treatment with BAC 6, 12 or 24 h after TNBS were examined. In the second study, animals were treated with BAC before, after or before and after TNBS, and were examined 7 days later. The severity of colitis was assessed by macroscopic and histological scoring of the colonic damage and by determination of colonic myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. Macrophages and CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells were examined by immuno-histochemistry.

Results:

When BAC was instilled into the colon 6, 12 or 24 h after TNBS, weight loss and macroscopic and histological features of the colon were similar to that of controls (TNBS alone). In contrast, MPO activity was significantly reduced in all three groups post-treated with BAC. In the groups examined 7 days after TNBS treatment, rats post-treated with BAC exhibited increased weight gain and significantly reduced macroscopic damage and MPO activity compared to the TNBS control group. Rats pre-treated with BAC exhibited less macroscopic damage of the colon than rats receiving only TNBS, but histological damage, MPO and weight gain were unchanged from TNBS controls. Immunohistochemistry revealed that BAC pre-treatment increased the numbers of macrophages and T cells in the colon. After TNBS treatment, macrophage accumulation was evident in the colon, but T cells were scarce. However, these cells were preserved or enhanced in the colonic mucosa in TNBS-treated rats that had been pre-treated with BAC.

Conclusions:

Treatment with BAC, particularly after induction of colitis, produces a significant reduction in the severity of tissue injury and inflammation through mechanisms that are not fully understood.

     

Inhibitors of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase modulate signal transduction pathways in colitis

During inflammatory bowel diseases, oxidative and nitrosative stress induces DNA damage and activation of the nuclear enzyme poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), resulting in depletion of intracellular energetics, intestinal barrier dysfunction and cellular death. The aim of our study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of in vivo inhibition of PARP in experimental colitis, which was induced by rectal instillation of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) in rats. In vehicle-treated rats, TNBS treatment resulted in colonic erosion and ulceration. Neutrophil infiltration (indicated by myeloperoxidase activity in the colon) was associated with formation of nitrotyrosine and marked apoptosis. Elevated levels of plasma nitrate/nitrite, metabolites of nitric oxide (NO), were also found. These inflammatory events were associated with the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) in the colon; NF-kappa B was maximally activated at 3 and 7 days, whereas AP-1 increased 1 day after TNBS administration and declined thereafter. Treatment of the rats with the PARP inhibitors, 3-aminobenzamide or 1,5-dihydroxyisoquinoline, resolved colonic damage and reduced plasma levels of NO metabolites. Resolution of the damage was associated with reduction of neutrophil infiltration, nitrotyrosine formation and apoptosis. Treatment with PARP inhibitors also reduced DNA binding of NF-kappa B and AP-1 in the colon. These data demonstrate that pharmacological inhibition of PARP ameliorates colitis. Reduction of the inflammatory process is associated with modification of the activation of signal transduction pathways.     

Effect of the macrolide antibacterial drug, tylosin, on TNBS-induced colitis in the rat

Bacterial antigens, such as intestinal microflora, are known to play a role in the pathogenesis of human inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Tylosin, a macrolide antimicrobial agent, has proven to be effective in cat and dog chronic colitis, but the reasons underlying this efficacy are still unclear. In the present study we evaluated the effects of tylosin on 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis in the rat, in comparison with the antibacterial drug metronidazole and the corticosteroid budesonide. Colitis was induced by a single intrarectal administration of 10 mg TNBS under light ether anesthesia. Tylosin (20 mg/kg twice a day), metronidazole (160 mg/kg twice a day) and budesonide (500 microg/kg once a day) were given orally for up to 6 days to separate groups of rats. The animals were sacrificed after 6 days and colonic lesions evaluated (colon weight, macroscopic and histologic damage, myeloperoxidase activity). Tylosin and metronidazole significantly lowered macroscopic lesion score, reduced colon weight, the severity of histologic lesions and myeloperoxidase activity; budesonide did not significantly change the parameters of colonic inflammation. These data indicate a protective effect of tylosin against intestinal inflammation, suggesting a major role for bacteria, anaerobes in particular, in the development of TNBS-induced mucosal damage.     

具备高同型半胱氨酸血症的实验性结肠炎模型的建立

目的建立具备高同型半胱氨酸血症(HHcy)的实验性结肠炎模型,初步探讨Hcy对结肠炎症损伤的影响。方法将SD大鼠分为4组:正常对照组(NS灌肠+皮下注射NS)、正常对照+Hcy注射组(NS灌肠+皮下注射Hcy)、TN-BS模型对照组(TNBS/乙醇灌肠+皮下注射NS)、TNBS模型+Hcy注射组(TNBS/乙醇灌肠+皮下注射Hcy)。以TN-BS/乙醇混合溶液(100 mg·kg-1TNBS加入等体积NS)灌肠1次制备结肠炎模型后,采用皮下注射同型半胱氨酸(0.03μmol·kg-1,每天2次,间隔8 h,连续30 d)造成HHcy模型。实验结束后通过高效液相荧光法(HPLC-FD)检测血浆和结肠粘膜Hcy水平,进行DAI评分并取结肠组织进行HE染色评分,结肠组织匀浆检测MPO活性。结果与正常对照组比较,TNBS模型对照组大鼠DAI和HI评分增高(P<0.01),结肠组织MPO活性增高(P<0.01)。与TNBS模型对照组比较,TNBS模型+Hcy注射组大鼠血浆和结肠粘膜Hcy水平明显增高(P<0.01),DAI和HI评分明显增高(P<0.01),结肠组织MPO活性明显增高(P<0.01)。结论皮下注射同型半胱氨酸可以建立具备高同型半胱氨酸血症的实验性结肠炎模型,可用于探讨Hcy在结肠炎中的作用机制。     

Therapeutic effect of epigallocatechin-3-gallate in a mouse model of colitis

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a green tea catechin, has been shown to inhibit signaling pathways involved in inflammation, including nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and activator protein-1 (AP-1), which are important inducers of pro-inflammatory mediators. Aim of our study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of EGCG in experimental colitis, which was induced by rectal administration of trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) in C57/BL6 mice. Mice were treated twice daily with vehicle or with EGCG (10 mg/kg) intraperitoneally, and sacrificed on days 1, 3, and 7 after TNBS administration. After induction of colitis, vehicle-treated mice experienced bloody diarrhea and loss of body weight. A remarkable colonic damage with hemorrhage, ulcers, and edema was observed and was associated with neutrophil infiltration as evaluated by myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. Elevated plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10 and keratinocyte-derived chemokine were also found. These events were paralleled by increased DNA binding of NF-kappaB and AP-1 in the colon of the vehicle-treated group. In contrast, the EGCG-treated mice experienced a very mild diarrhea and no weight loss. Damage of the colon was characterized by edema and hyperemia only. Tissue levels of MPO were also significantly reduced when compared to vehicle-treated mice. These beneficial effects of EGCG were associated with a significant reduction of NF-kappaB and AP-1 activation. However, treatment with EGCG did not reduce plasma cytokine levels. Our data demonstrate that EGCG may be beneficial in colitis through selective immunomodulatory effects, which may be mediated, at least in part, by inhibition of NF-kappaB and AP-1.     

Rosiglitazone, a PPARgamma ligand, modulates signal transduction pathways during the development of acute TNBS-induced colitis in rats

Recent studies have shown that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma), a highly nuclear receptor expressed in the colon, may participate in the control of inflammation, especially in regulating the production of immunomodulatory and inflammatory mediators, cellular proliferation and apoptosis. In order to delve into the anti-inflammatory mechanisms and signalling pathways of PPARgamma agonists, we have studied the effects of rosiglitazone, a PPARgamma agonist on the extent and severity of acute ulcerative colitis caused by intracolonic administration of 2,4,6-trinitribenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) in rats. The inflammatory response was assessed by gross appearance, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) levels and a histological study of the lesions. We determined prostaglandin E2 production as well as the cyclooxygenases (COX)-1 and -2 expressions by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. The nuclear factor kappa (NF-kappaB) p65 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) expression levels were also measured by Western blotting. Finally, since PPARgamma agonists modulate apoptosis, we tried to clarify its effects under early acute inflammatory conditions. Inflammation following TNBS induction was characterized by increased colonic wall thickness, edema, diffuse inflammatory cells infiltration, necrosis reaching an ulcer index (UI) of 9.66+/-0.66 cm(2) and increased MPO activity and TNF-alpha colonic levels. Rosiglitazone treatment significantly reduced the morphological alteration associated with TNBS administration and the UI with the highest dose. In addition, the degree of neutrophil infiltration and the cytokine levels were significantly ameliorated. Rosiglitazone significantly reduced the rise in the prostaglandin (PG) E(2) generation compared with TNBS group. The COX-1 levels remained stable throughout the treatment in all groups. The COX-2 expression was elevated in TNBS group; however rosiglitazone administration reduced the COX-2 overexpression. A high expression of NF-kappaB p65 and p38 MAPK proteins appeared in colon mucosa from control TNBS-treated rats; nevertheless, PPARgamma agonist treatment drastically decreased them. There were no significant changes in apoptosis after rosiglitazone treatment when compared to TNBS group. In conclusion, rosiglitazone seems to modulate the acute colitis through NF-kappaB p65 and p38 MAPK signalling pathways.     

1,8-cineole (eucalyptol), a monoterpene oxide attenuates the colonic damage in rats on acute TNBS-colitis.

The monoterpene oxide, 1,8-cineole (cineole, eucalyptol) was examined for its possible influence on the acute phase of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis in rats. The test compound, 1,8-cineole (200 and 400 mg/kg) or vehicle (1 ml, 2% Tween 80) was instilled rectally, 24, and 2 h before (pre-treatment) or 2 and 24 h after (post-treatment) the induction of colitis by intracolonic administration of TNBS (0.25 ml of 25 mg of TNBS in 50% ethanol). Rats were killed 48 h after colitis induction and colonic segments were analysed for gross damage scores, changes in wet weights, myeloperoxidase activity, an indicator of neutrophilic infiltration and glutathione level, a major cellular antioxidant. TNBS induced an extensive inflammation and ulceration in the colon. Colonic damage was associated with an increase in myeloperoxidase activity and by a decrease in glutathione. When compared to vehicle-treated TNBS controls, a marked reduction in gross damage scores and wet weights (mg/cm) of colonic segments were evident in animals pre-treated but not post-treated with 1,8-cineole. Cineole also significantly reduced the myeloperoxidase activity, and caused repletion of glutathione. These results confirm the anti-inflammatory action of 1,8-cineole and suggest its potential value as a dietary flavoring agent in the prevention of gastrointestinal inflammation and ulceration.     

PARP inhibition reduces acute colonic inflammation in rats

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARP) comprise a family of enzymes which catalyse poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation of DNA-binding proteins. Multiple researches indicate the importance of PARP in promoting cell recruitment and thereby inducing organ injury in various forms of inflammation, such as colitis. We have evaluated the effects of two PARP inhibitors, nicotinamide and 1,5-dihydroxyisoquinoline, in acute colitis induced by trinitrobenzensulfonic acid (TNBS) in rats. Nicotinamide (20-40 mg/kg) and 1,5-dihydroxyisoquinoline (4-8 mg/kg) were administered 48, 24 and 1 h prior to the induction of colitis as well as 24 h later. 48 h after colitis induction the lesions were blindly scored and quantified as ulcer index. Histological study and colonic inflammation were assessed by gross appearance and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesis and, cyclooxygenase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2 expressions by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were also performed. Inflammation following TNBS induction was characterized by increased colonic wall thickness, oedema, diffuse inflammatory cells infiltration in the mucosa and necrosis. Furthermore, increased MPO activity, cyclooxygenase-2 expression and PGE2 synthesis were significantly augmented after TNBS instillation. On the contrary, treatment with 1,5-dihydroxyisoquinoline significantly reduced the degree of colon injury and also caused a substantial reduction in the rise in MPO activity, in the increase of staining for cyclooxygenase-2, as well as in the up-regulation of PGE2 caused by TNBS in the colon. Although nicotinamide significantly did not reduce macroscopic damage, it decreased both MPO activity and PGE2 colonic levels. In conclusion, we demonstrated that PARP inhibition can exert beneficial effects in experimental colitis and may, therefore, be useful in the treatment of ulcerative colitis.     

Azathioprine reduces extravasation and neutrophil trafficking in immune complex-mediated inflammation in the rat colon.

Azathioprine (AZ) has been used in the treatment of refractory inflammatory bowel disease. The mechanism by which AZ decrease colonic inflammation is not known. It is alluded that AZ may be effective in the maintenance of remission. We examined whether AZ in non-immunosuppressive doses reduces extravasation and neutrophil trafficking in a rat model of colonic inflammation. Rats were treated with I.P. injection of AZ (1 mg/kg) for 6 weeks. At the end of 2 and 6 weeks rats were injected I.V. immune complex and on the following day the proximal colon was perfused with 2.5% formaldehyde (local irritant 3 ml/hour for 5 mins). Extravasation was measured by Evans' blue technique and neutrophil concentration in the tissue was determined by measuring myeloperoxidase (MPO). AZ did not inhibit extravasation and MPO after 2 weeks of therapy. However, after 6 weeks, AZ reduced extravasation to 20 +/- 2 micrograms/gm compared to untreated animals (51 +/- 6 micrograms/gm tissue) and MPO levels to 0.3 +/- 13 compared to untreated rats (0.8 +/- 0.32 mU/gm). There was a good correlation between extravasation and MPO levels. These results suggest that long-term treatment with AZ may prevent extravasation and cause reduction in neutrophil trafficking. Such an effect may be beneficial for maintaining remission in IBD.     

The beneficial effect of Rheum tanguticum polysaccharide on protecting against diarrhea, colonic inflammation and ulceration in rats with TNBS-induced colitis: the role of macrophage mannose receptor in inflammation and immune response

Rhubarb has been used as a folk remedy for gastrointestinal disease in China for over two thousand years. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of Rheum tanguticum polysaccharide (RTP), a water soluble fraction extracted from rhubarb, on protection from inflammation and colonic damage in 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis in rats. RTP protected against diarrhea, colon weight increase, and ulceration induced by TNBS. It was at least as effective as dexamethasone (DEX). RTP significantly decreased myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in the colonic mucosa. Oral administration of RTP was as effective as intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection on toxicity protection and MPO activity. To further investigate the possible underlying mechanism, we studied the role of mannose receptor (MR) in cytokine secretion, ligand binding and endocytosis of macrophages. The secretion of IFN-gamma was dramatically increased while IL-4 decreased in colitis compared to the control (normal rats), and RTP restored the condition similar to the control in vivo. The secretion of IFN-gamma by macrophages was induced by RTP and lipoarabinomannan (LAM) but not mannose in vitro. Mannose completely inhibited the effect of RTP, while RTP and LAM affected each other on IFN-gamma secretion. The MR-mediated ligand binding and endocytosis of macrophages were markedly decreased in colitis and RTP restored their function to near normal condition. The results indicated that RTP targeted MR and down-regulation of Th1-polarized immune response may be the possible mechanism for its attenuation of intestinal inflammation and damage. RTP may be useful for treatment of patients with inflammatory bowel disease.     

Colon-targeted cell-permeable NFκB inhibitory peptide is orally active against experimental colitis

For the purpose of development of orally active peptide therapeutics targeting NFκB for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), two major barriers in oral delivery of therapeutic peptides, metabolic lability and tissue impermeability, were circumvented by introduction of a colon-targeted delivery system and cell permeable peptides (CPP) to NFκB inhibitory peptides (NIP). Suppression of NFκB activation was compared following treatment with various CPP conjugated NIPs (CPP-NIP). The most potent CPP-NIP was loaded in a capsule coated with a colon specific polymer, which was administered orally to colitic rats. The anti-inflammatory activity of the colon-targeted CPP-NIP was evaluated by measuring inflammatory indices in the inflamed colonic tissue. For confirmation of the local action of the CPP-NIP, the same experiment was done after rectal administration. Tissue permeability of the CPP-NIP was examined microscopically and spectrophotometrically using FITC-labeled CPP-NIP (CPP-NIP-FITC). NEMO binding domain peptide (NBD, TALDWSWLQTE) fused with a cell permeable peptide CTP (YGRRARRRARR), CTP-NBD, was most potent in inhibiting NFκB activity in cells. Colon-targeted CTP-NBD, but not colon-targeted NBD and CTP-NBD in an enteric capsule, ameliorated the colonic injury, which was in parallel with decrease in MPO activity and the levels of inflammatory mediators. Intracolonic treatment with CTP-NBD alleviated rat colitis and improved all the inflammatory indicators. CTP-NBD-FITC was detected at much greater level in the inflamed tissue than was NBD-FITC. Taken together, introduction of cell permeability and colon targetability to NIP may be a feasible strategy for an orally active peptide therapy for treatment of IBD.     

Ameliorative effects of 3,4-oxo-isopropylidene-shikimic acid on experimental colitis and their mechanisms in rats

The aim of the present study was to investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of 3,4-oxo-isopropylidene-shikimic acid (ISA) on 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis in rats. (50, 100, 200 mg/kg) was administered for 14 days, 1 day after the induction of colitis by TNBS. The colonic injury and inflammation were assessed by macroscopic damage scores and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities in plasma were measured with biochemical methods. Prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) level in colon was determined by radioimmunoassay. Expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2), inhibitor kappa B-alpha (IκBα) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65 proteins in the colonic tissue were detected with immunohistochemistry. Enhanced colonic mucosal injury, inflammatory response and oxidative stress were observed in the animals clystered with TNBS, which was manifested as the significant increase in colon mucosal damage index, MPO activity, levels of MDA, NO and PGE₂, as well as the expressions of iNOS, COX-2 and NF-κB p65 proteins in the colonic mucosa, and the significant decrease in expressions of IκBα proteins in the colonic mucosa. However, these parameters were found to be significantly ameliorated in rats treated with ISA at given doses, especially at 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg. Administration of ISA may have significant therapeutic effects on experimental colitis in rats, probably due to its mechanism of antioxidation, its inhibition of arachidonic acid metabolism and its modulation of the IκBα/NF-κB p65 expression.     

EFFECTS OF TRIMETAZIDINE ON OXIDANT/ANTIOXIDANT STATUS IN TRINITROBENZENESULFONIC ACID-INDUCED CHRONIC COLITIS

Trimetazidine (TMZ), an anti-ischemic agent with proposed antioxidant properties, was used in a chronic colitis model in order to evaluate its effectiveness as a therapeutic agent in chronic colitis. Treatment of male Swiss Albino rats with ethanol (50%) and trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) (30 mg/kg) produced colitis as evidenced by histopathologic damage and inflammatory alterations, lipid peroxidation [increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels], and enhanced neutrophil infiltration [increased myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity] without marked change in glutathione status. Administration of TMZ (5 mg/kg) to TNBS-treated rats failed to affect the TNBS-induced changes in histopathology and MPO activities. Unexpectedly, intrarectal (ir) administration of TMZ significantly elevated colonic MDA levels to a greater extent than TNBS alone. Intraperitoneal (ip) TMZ treatment seemed to increase total glutathione (tGSH), GSH, and GSH/GSSG values. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that (a) ir administration of ethanol and TNBS is an effective way of inducing a chronic colitis model, (b) inflammation and lipid peroxidation augment tissue damage in the chronic colitis model, (c) ip TMZ treatment significantly inhibits MDA production in the chronic colitis model, (d) TMZ treatment is more effective via the ip compared to ir route, and (e) TMZ seems to show its antioxidant effect via preserving the tissue's GSH/GSSG ratios.     

Effects of trimetazidine on oxidant/antioxidant status in trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid-induced chronic colitis

Trimetazidine (TMZ), an anti-ischemic agent with proposed antioxidant properties, was used in a chronic colitis model in order to evaluate its effectiveness as a therapeutic agent in chronic colitis. Treatment of male Swiss Albino rats with ethanol (50%) and trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) (30 mg/kg) produced colitis as evidenced by histopathologic damage and inflammatory alterations, lipid peroxidation [increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels], and enhanced neutrophil infiltration [increased myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity] without marked change in glutathione status. Administration of TMZ (5 mg/kg) to TNBS-treated rats failed to affect the TNBS-induced changes in histopathology and MPO activities. Unexpectedly, intrarectal (i.r.) administration of TMZ significantly elevated colonic MDA levels to a greater extent than TNBS alone. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) TMZ treatment seemed to increase total glutathione (tGSH), GSH, and GSH/GSSG values. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that (a) i.r. administration of ethanol and TNBS is an effective way of inducing a chronic colitis model, (b) inflammation and lipid peroxidation augment tissue damage in the chronic colitis model, (c) i.p. TMZ treatment significantly inhibits MDA production in the chronic colitis model, (d) TMZ treatment is more effective via the i.p. compared to i.r. route, and (e) TMZ seems to show its antioxidant effect via preserving the tissue's GSH/GSSG ratios.     

Azithromycin and erythromycin ameliorate the extent of colonic damage induced by acetic acid in rats

Ulcerative colitis is a common inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) of unknown etiology. Recent studies have revealed the role of some microorganisms in the initiation and perpetuation of IBD. The role of antibiotics in the possible modulation of colon inflammation is still uncertain. In this study, we evaluated the effects of two macrolides, namely azithromycin and erythromycin, at different doses on the extent and severity of ulcerative colitis caused by intracolonic administration of 3% acetic acid in rats. The lesions and the inflammatory response were assessed by histology and measurement of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, nitric oxide synthetase (NOS) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) in colonic tissues. Inflammation following acetic acid instillation was characterized by oedema, diffuse inflammatory cell infiltration and necrosis. Increase in MPO, NOS and TNFα was detected in the colonic tissues. Administration of either azithromycin or erythromycin at different dosage (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg orally, daily for 5 consecutive days) significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the colonic damage, MPO and NOS activities as well as TNFα level. This reduction was highly significant with azithromycin when given at a dose of 40 mg/kg. It is concluded that azithromycin and erythromycin may have a beneficial therapeutic role in ulcerative colitis.     

Ginsenoside Rd attenuates the inflammatory response via modulating p38 and JNK signaling pathways in rats with TNBS-induced relapsing colitis

In this study, we investigated the effects and the protective mechanism of ginsenoside Rd (GRd) which has been identified as one of the effective compounds from ginseng on relapsing colitis model induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) in rats. After inducing relapsing colitis in experimental rats on two occasions by intracolonic injection of TNBS, GRd (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg) was administered to experimental colitis rats for 7 days. The inflammatory degree was assessed by macroscopic score, histology and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. The levels of proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were determined by ELISA. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation was analyzed by western blotting method. The results showed that GRd markedly attenuates the inflammatory response to TNBS-induced relapsing colitis, as evidenced by improved signs, increased body weight, decreased colonic weight/length ratio, reduced colonic macroscopic and microscopic damage scores, inhibited the activity of MPO, lowered proinflammatory cytokine levels and suppressed phosphorylation of p38 and JNK. The possible mechanism of protection on experimental colitis after GRd administration was that it could reduce the accumulation of leukocytes and down-regulate multiple proinflammatory cytokines through modulation of JNK and p38 activation.     

葡萄籽原花青素对复发性结肠炎大鼠血清抗氧化能力及NO含量的影响

目的：观察葡萄籽原花青素（GSPE）对复发性结肠炎大鼠血清抗氧化能力及NO含量的影响,初步探讨葡萄籽原花青素治疗复发性结肠炎的作用机制。方法：直肠给予雄性Wistar大鼠80mg/kg2,4,6-三硝基苯磺酸（TNBS）/50%乙醇溶液复制结肠炎模型,在第16天时,用30mg/kgTNBS/50%乙醇溶液诱导结肠炎复发的模型。大鼠第二次致炎24h后,分别应用GSPE低、中、高剂量（100、200、400mg/kg）灌胃对其进行治疗,并以柳氮磺吡啶（SASP,500mg/kg）作为阳性对照。连续给药7d后处死所有大鼠,取结肠标本评价结肠湿重指数,生化法检测血清中髓过氧化物酶（MPO）、超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶（GSH-Px）和一氧化氮合酶（iNOS）活力及丙二醛（MDA）、谷胱甘肽（GSH）和NO含量。结果：与模型对照组比较,GSPE各剂量组大鼠体重下降程度较轻（P〈0.05或P〈0.01）,结肠湿重指数明显降低（P〈0.05或P〈0.01） 大鼠血清中MPO和iNOS活力及MDA和NO含量均明显降低（P〈0.05或P〈0.01） 大鼠血清中SOD和GSH-Px活力及GSH含量明显升高（P〈0.05或P〈0.01）。结论：GSPE可能通过提高复发性结肠炎大鼠血清抗氧化能力,抑制NO生成,来减轻复发性结肠炎炎症反应。     

Therapeutic effect of ginsenoside Rd in rats with TNBS-induced recurrent ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is characterized by oxidative and nitrosative stress and neutrophil infiltration. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of ginsenoside Rd (GRd) in rats with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced recurrent UC. After UC was twice-induced by intracolonic injection of TNBS, rats were intragastrically administered different doses of GRd per day for 7 days. The colonic lesions and inflammation were evaluated both histologically and biochemically. Compared with the TNBS group, GRd treatment facilitated recovery of pathologic changes in the colon after induction of recurrent UC, as evidenced by a significant reduction of colonic weight/length ratio and macroscopic and microscopic damage scores (p < 0.01). The myeloperoxidase and inducible nitric oxide synthase activities with malonyldialdehyde and nitric oxide levels in colonic tissues were significantly decreased in the GRd group compared with those in the TNBS group (p < 0.01). GRd treatment was associated with remarkably increased superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities. Results showed a valuable effect of GRd against TNBS-induced recurrent UC by inhibiting neutrophil infiltration and promoting the antioxidant capacity of the damaged colonic tissue.     

Vascular contribution of adrenomedullin to microcirculatory improvement in experimental colitis

The effect of adrenomedullin (AM), a peptide that has demonstrated vasodilatory activity, was studied in the colon and small mesenteric arteries of rats in a chronic model of inflammatory bowel disease. AM (50 ng/kg/day) was administered i.p. daily, starting 24h after trinitrobenzensulfonic acid (TNBS, 30 mg) instillation. After 14 days, rats were sacrificed, colons were macroscopically analyzed and biochemical parameters (myeloperoxidase activity, cytokines, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) as well as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression) were determined. Vascular function of small mesenteric arteries was assessed by addition of phenylephrine (10?? to 10?? mol/L) and participation of COX and NOS pathways was also evaluated by using different inhibitors: indomethacin, NS-398, L-NNA, and 1400 w. Chronic AM treatment significantly reduced colonic macroscopic damage and inflammation markers. TNBS instillation induced COX-2 and iNOS expressions in colon and small mesenteric arteries; AM treatment decreased COX-2 expression only in microvessels from rats with colitis. An attenuation of phenylephrine-induced contraction was detected in small mesenteric arteries from both TNBS and AM-treated rats. COX and NOS inhibitors altered the contractile ability of phenylephrine in small mesenteric arteries from TNBS rats, suggesting the involvement of COX-2 and iNOS derived factors in the deleterious effect of TNBS on vascular reactivity; AM administration was able to reduce such alteration. Finally, treatment with the peptide significantly reduced colonic nitric oxide (NO) levels, without affecting plasma concentration. In conclusion, AM showed beneficial effects in the restoration of vascular function through the regulation of vasoactive products derived from COX-2 and iNOS.