Attenuation of dextran sodium sulphate induced colitis in matrix metalloproteinase-9 deficient mice

AIM: To study whether matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9) is a key factor in epithelial damage in the dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) model of colitis in mice.METHODS: MMP-9-deficient and wild-type (wt)mice were given 5% DSS in drinking water for 5 dfollowed by recovery up to 7 d. On d 5 and 12 after induction of colitis, gelatinases,MMP-2 and MMP-9,were measured in homogenates of colonic tissue by zymography and Western blot, whereas Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) were measured by reverse zymography. The gelatinolytic activity was also determined in supernatants of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) isolated from mice blood. Moreover,intestinal epithelial cells were stimulated with TNF-α to study whether these cells were able to produce MMPs.Finally, colonic mucosal lesions were measured by microscopic examination.RESULTS: On d 5 of colitis, the activity of MMP-9 was increased in homogenates of colonic tissues (0.24±0.1 vs 21.3±6.4,P＜0.05) and PMN from peripheral blood in wt (0.5±0.1 vs 10.4±0.7,P＜0.05), but not in MMP-9-deficient animals. The MMP-9 activity was also up-regulated by TNF-α in epithelial intestinal cells (2.5±0.5 vs 14.7±3.0, P＜0.05). Although colitis also led to increase of TIMP-1 activity, the MMP-9/TIMP-1 balance remained elevated. Finally, in the MMP-9-deficient colitic mice both the extent and severity of intestinal epithelial injury were significantly attenuated when compared with wt mice.CONCLUSION: We conclude that DSS induced colitis is markedly attenuated in animals lacking MMP-9. This suggests that intestinal injury induced by DSS is modulated by MMP-9 and that inhibition of this gelatinase may reduce inflammation.     

葡聚糖硫酸钠结肠炎模型影响因素的研究进展

自1985年首次报道采用葡聚糖硫酸钠(dextran sulphate sodium,DSS)制备出仓鼠溃疡性结肠炎模型以来,已有大量研究证明DSS结肠炎模型与人类溃疡性结肠炎相似.该模型的病因、临床症状、病理改变及治疗应答均与人类UC相类似;对于研究UC病因、发病机制及UC相关增生和肿瘤,确定治疗手段有重要意义.虽然DSS模型制作简单;但该过程受到多个因素的影响:DSS浓度、给药时间、DSS相对分子质量和动物种属等.如不能正确处理这些因素,很难制造出成功的DSS结肠炎模型.本文主要针对DSS造模影响因素及尚需我们进一步研究和探讨的问题作综述如下.     

葡聚糖硫酸钠诱导小鼠实验性结肠炎的临床和组织病理学特征研究

目的研究葡聚糖硫酸钠(DSS)诱导小鼠实验性结肠炎的临床和病理特征,以便于指导选择合适的溃疡性结肠炎(ulcerative colitis,UC)小鼠模型。方法予3%DSS溶液喂饲野生型C57BL/6成年小鼠诱导急性结肠炎模型,分别于第0天、第3天、第5天、第7天和第10天麻醉处死小鼠,取结肠观察不同时期结肠病理学特征,造模过程中连续观察并记录小鼠体质量、大便和死亡情况。结果小鼠造模第3天开始出现粪便潜血,第5天开始出现血便,第10天开始出现死亡小鼠,死亡率为30%。DSS诱导小鼠急性结肠炎模型疾病活动指数第3天后与饮用纯净水的小鼠比较明显增高(P0.05)。小鼠结肠炎造模第3天黏膜上皮细胞开始逐渐丧失,第7~10天最为严重;隐窝结构的紊乱从第3天开始发生,第7天出现固有层塌陷;炎性细胞浸润从第3天开始数量逐渐增加,第10天最为严重。DSS诱导小鼠急性结肠炎模型结肠组织病理评分第5天后与饮用纯净水的小鼠比较明显增高(P0.05)。结论 3%DSS诱导野生型C57BL/6成年小鼠急性结肠炎模型可用于UC的实验研究,第3天出现明显的炎症表现,第7天模型较理想,小鼠死亡少。     

肝素治疗右旋葡聚糖硫酸钠诱导小鼠结肠炎的疗效观察

目的　评价肝素预防及治疗右旋葡聚糖硫酸钠 (DSS)诱导小鼠结肠炎的有效性。方法　32只小鼠中 ,16只正常小鼠分成两组 ,饮用DSS 7d的同时预防组皮下注射肝素 ,对照组皮下注射生理盐水 ;另 16只饮用DSS 7d后诱导结肠炎的小鼠分成两组 ,治疗组皮下注射肝素 ,对照组皮下注射生理盐水。用疾病活动指数、组织学评分、TNF α的表达和马休斯猩红兰 (MSB)检测微血栓评价疗效。结果　肝素在预防组降低微血栓的形成 ,对照组 8只中 4只微血栓阳性 ,预防组均阴性 (P =0 .0 38)。治疗组组织学评分、TNF α的表达明显降低 ,治疗组与对照组的直肠、横结肠组织学评分和TNF α的表达分别为 1.33和 1.85 (P <0 .0 5 ) ,0 .92和 1.6 8(P <0 .0 5 ) ,(5 .5± 3.5 ) %和 (10 .8± 4.2 ) % (P <0 .0 5 )。结论　肝素可抑制DSS诱导结肠炎小鼠血栓形成和结肠炎症 ,实验结果提示肝素用于溃疡性结肠炎治疗也可能有效     

Reduced susceptibility of mice overexpressing transforming growth factor α to dextran sodium sulphate induced colitis

Background—Transforminggrowth factor α (TGF-α) knockout mice have increased susceptibilityto dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) induced colitis.
Aim—To substantiatethe findings that TGF-α is a key mediator of colonic mucosalprotection and/or repair mechanisms by evaluating the susceptibility ofmice overexpressing TGF-α to DSS induced colitis.
Methods—TGF-αoverexpression was induced in transgenic mice by ZnSO₄administration in drinking water (TG+). Three groups were used ascontrols: one transgenic group without ZnSO₄ administration (TG−), and two non-transgenic littermate groups receivingZnSO₄ (Non-TG+) or only water (Non-TG−). Acute colitiswas induced in all groups by administration of DSS (5%, w/v) indrinking water for six days ad libitum.
Results—About 35-39%of the entire colonic mucosa was destroyed in Non-TG−, Non-TG+, andTG− animals compared with 9% in TG+ mice. The crypt damage score was18.7 (0.9), 18.2 (1.0), 18.9(0.8), and 6.8 (1.5) (means (SEM)) inNon-TG−, Non-TG+, TG−, and TG+ mice respectively. Mucin andbromodeoxyuridine staining were markedly enhanced in colons of TG+ micecompared with controls, indicating increased mucosal protection and regeneration.
Conclusions—Thesignificantly reduced susceptibility of mice overexpressing TGF-α toDSS further substantiates that endogenous TGF-α is a pivotal mediatorof protection and/or healing mechanisms in the colon.

Keywords:transforming growth factor α; epidermal growthfactor; dextran sodium sulphate; colitis; inflammatory bowel disease; transgenic mice

     

T辅助细胞在右旋葡聚糖硫酸钠诱导的小鼠结肠炎中的作用研究

目的　探讨Th1/Th2细胞在右旋葡聚糖硫酸钠 (DSS)诱导小鼠结肠炎中的作用。方法　利用细胞内细胞因子流式细胞检测法 ,测定DSS诱导急、慢性结肠炎小鼠肠黏膜和脾脏单核细胞 (SMC)中Th1/Th2比例。结果　①结肠炎急性期 ,小鼠肠黏膜固有层单核细胞 (LPMC)中Th1细胞为 (8.90± 1.2 3) % ,较对照组升高 (P <0 .0 5 ) ;Th2细胞占 (3.2 5± 1.2 5 ) % ,与对照组差异无显著性 (P >0 .0 5 ) ;Th1/Th2比例为 3.0 9± 1.18,较对照组升高 (P <0 .0 5 )。②在慢性期 ,肠黏膜LPMC中Th1、Th2细胞分别占 (5 .5 2± 1.2 8) %和 (10 .0 8± 1.75 ) % ,均较对照组升高 (P <0 .0 5 ) ;Th1/Th2比例为 0 .5 2± 0 .2 1,较对照组降低 (P <0 .0 5 )。脾脏SMC中Th1、Th2百分比、Th1/Th2比例 ,各期无明显差异。结论　DSS结肠炎是一种以肠黏膜免疫功能紊乱为主的炎症性病变。Th1优势反应可能与急性期损伤有关 ,而Th2优势反应可能在炎症的慢性化过程中发挥重要作用。     

Kefir treatment ameliorates dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in rats

AIM: To investigate the preventive effect of kefir on colitis induced with dextran sulfate sodium(DSS) in rats.METHODS: Twenty-four male Wistar-albino rats were randomized into four groups: normal control,kefircontrol,colitis,and kefir-colitis groups. Rats in the normal and kefir-control groups were administered tap water as drinking water for 14 d. Rats in the colitis and kefir-colitis groups were administered a 3% DSS solution as drinking water for 8-14 d to induce colitis. Rats in the kefir-control and kefir-colitis groups were administered 5 m L kefir once a day for 14 d while rats in the normal control and colitis group were administered an identical volume of the placebo(skim milk) using an orogastric feeding tube. Clinical colitis was evaluated with reference to the disease activity index(DAI),based on daily weight loss,stool consistency,and presence of bleeding in feces. Rats were sacrificed on the 15 th day,blood specimens were collected,and colon tissues were rapidly removed. Levels of myeloperoxidase(MPO),tumor necrosisfactor(TNF)-α,interleukin(IL)-10,malondialdehyde,and inducible nitric oxide synthase(i NOS) were measured in colon tissue.RESULTS: The DAI was lower in the kefir-colitis group than in the colitis group(on the 3rd and 5th days of colitis induction; P 0.01). The DAI was also significantly higher in the colitis group between days 2 and 6 of colitis induction when compared to the normal control and kefir-control groups. The DAI was statistically higher only on the 6th day in the kefircolitis group when compared to that in the normal control groups. Increased colon weight and decreased colon length were observed in colitis-induced rats. Mean colon length in the colitis group was significantly shorter than that of the kefir-control group. Kefir treatment significantly decreased histologic colitis scores(P 0.05). MPO activity in the colitis group was significantly higher than in the kefir-control group(P 0.05). Kefir treatment significantly reduced the DSS colitis-induced TNF-α increase(P 0.01). No statistically significant differences were observed among groups for IL-10 and MDA levels. Colon tissue i NOS levels in the colitis group were significantly higher than those in the control and kefir-colitis groups(P 0.05).CONCLUSION: Kefir reduces the clinical DAI and histologic colitis scores in a DSS-induced colitis model,possibly via reduction of MPO,TNF-α,and i NOS levels.     

Time-dependent changes in myocardial structure following discrete injury in mice deficient of matrix metalloproteinase-3

Myocardial scars from radiofrequency (RF) ablation can increase in size in the post-injury period, resulting in remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM). The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) contribute to adverse myocardial remodeling following injury. However, the role of specific MMP types in RF scar enlargement remains unclear. One MMP type, MMP-3, degrades a wide range of ECM substrates and can activate other MMPs. This project examined LV remodeling in wild type (WT) and MMP-3 deficient (mmp-3-/-) mice following RF injury. RF lesions (0.5 mm probe, 80 degrees C, 30 s) were created on the LV epicardium of WT (C57/BL6) and mmp-3-/- mice and were terminally studied at 1 h, 3, 7, and 28 days post-RF (n=10 each). Heart mass indexed to tibial length (mg/mm) was similar in the WT and mmp-3-/- mice at 1 h (8.1+/-0.3 vs. 7.6+/-0.3), but lower in the mmp-3-/- mice at 28 days post-RF (11.9+/-0.4 vs. 10.5+/-0.4, P<0.05). Scar volumes were greater in the mmp-3-/- mice at 3 days, but similar in the two groups at 28 days. Immunohistochemical localization showed fewer macrophages and lymphocytes at the scar border at 3 days in the mmp-3-/- hearts, but similar staining for these cells in WT and mmp-3-/- hearts at 7 and 28 days post-RF. Post-RF, the early increase in scar volume was accelerated in mmp-3-/- mice and associated with abnormal inflammatory cell infiltration/migration to the area of injury. These findings define a mechanistic role for MMP-3 in RF scar expansion and provide a temporal window during which interruption of MMP-3 activation may impair post-RF myocardial wound healing.     

Temporal clinical,proteomic, histological and cellular immune responses of dextran sulfate sodium-induced acute colitis

AIM To investigate the temporal clinical, proteomic, histological and cellular immune profiles of dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced acute colitis.METHODS Acute colitis was induced in C57 BL/6 female mice by administration of 1%, 2% or 3% DSS in drinking water for 7 d. Animals were monitored daily for weight loss, stool consistency and blood in the stool, while spleens and colons were harvested on day 8. A time course analysis was performed in mice ingesting 3% DSS, which included colon proteomics through multiplex assay, colon histological scoring by a blinded investigator, and immune response through flow cytometry or immunohistochemistry of the spleen, mesenteric lymph node and colon.RESULTS Progressive worsening of clinical colitis was observed with increasing DSS from 1% to 3%. In mice ingesting 3% DSS, colon shortening and increase in proinflammatory factors starting at day 3 was observed, with increased spleen weights at day 6 and day 8. This coincided with cellular infiltration in the colon from day 2 to day 8, with progressive accumulation of macrophages F4/80~+, T helper CD4~+(Th), T cytotoxic CD8~+(Tcyt) and T regulatory CD25~+(Treg) cells, and progressive changes in colonic pathology including destruction of crypts, loss of goblet cells and depletion of the epithelial barrier. Starting on day 4, mesenteric lymph node and/or spleen presented with lower levels of Treg, Th and Tcyt cells, suggesting an immune cell tropism to the gut. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate that the severity of experimental colitis is dependent on DSS concentration, correlated with clinical, proteomic, histological and cellular immune response on 3% DSS.     

Effects of the anti-ICAM-1 monoclonal antibody on dextran sodium sulphate-induced colitis in rats

Increased expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in the colon of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been reported. We evaluated the effects of monoclonal antibodies to ICAM-1 on acute colitis induced by dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) in rats. Colitis was induced by feeding rats 3% DSS for 7 days. Anti-ICAM-1 antibody or vehicle alone was injected intraperitoneally in rats daily from day 0 to day 6. On day 7 the rats were killed and colitis was evaluated histologically. Prophylactic treatment with anti-ICAM-1 significantly attenuated colonic damage, neutrophil infiltration and the shortening of the colon in DSS colitis. Our findings demonstrate that ICAM-1 plays an important role in this model of inflammatory bowel disease. Although this study does not directly address the effect of anti-ICAM-1 therapy in IBD, our findings encourage experiments using therapies that target ICAM-1 in rats with already developed disease.     

Bosentan, an endothelin receptor antagonist, reduces leucocyte adhesion and inflammation in a murine model of inflammatory bowel disease

Background and aims Endothelins, a group of polyfunctional cytokines, induce the adhesion of circulating leucocytes to venous endothelium, an initial step in the pathogenesis of a cellular infiltrate in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The effect of bosentan, a non-selective endothelin receptor antagonist, on leucocyte adhesion and inflammation in a murine model of IBD was studied.Materials and Methods Thirty BALB/c mice were divided into three groups of 10 animals: untreated controls, chronic colitis [dextran sodium sulphate (DSS), 3% w/v for 30 days], and treatment with bosentan (30 mg/kg i.p. daily on days 26–30). On day 30, adherent and rolling leucocytes and the average rolling velocity were assessed by intravital microscopy. Clinical and histological activity of inflammation were assessed by the disease activity index and modified Dieleman score, respectively.Statistics Kruskal–Wallis test was used, followed by Dunn's method. A value of p<0.05 was considered significant.Results Compared to healthy controls, mice treated with DSS showed pronounced clinical and histological inflammation, and a higher number of rolling and adhering leucocytes in colonic submucosal venules. Therapy with bosentan significantly reduced clinical and histological inflammation. Adherent leucocyte levels were markedly lower (1.2±0.3 vs 23.7±2.8 adherent cells per 0.01 mm², p<0.05). The number of rolling leucocytes was lower but not significantly different. However, rolling velocity was significantly higher (91.5±14.0 vs 19.0±1.6 μm/s, p<0.05).Conclusions Bosentan reduces the adhesion of leucocytes in colonic submucosal venules and reduces inflammation in this mouse model of IBD. By inhibiting leucocyte adhesion, a crucial step in the recruitment of leucocytes to the inflamed tissue, bosentan is a potent therapeutic drug in this animal model. Further studies are necessary to investigate the role of bosentan as a novel drug in human IBD.C. Anthoni and R.B. Mennigen contributed equally to this work     

FR167653, a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor, aggravates experimental colitis in mice

AIM： To investigate the effects of FR167653 on the development of dextran sulfate sodium （DSS）-induced colitis in mice. METHODS： BALB/c mice were fed rodent chow containing 3.5% （wt/wt） DSS. The recipient mice underwent intra-peritoneal injection of vehicles or FR167653 （30 mg/kg per day）. The mice were sacrificed on day 14, and the degree of colitis was assessed. Immunohistochemical analyses for CD4^＋ T cell and F4/80^＋ macrophage infiltration were also performed. Mucosal cytokine expression was analyzed by RT-PCR. RESULTS： The body weight loss was more apparent in the FR167653-treated DSS mice than in the vehicletreated DSS mice. The colon length was shorter in the FR167653-treated DSS mice than in the vehicle-treated DSS mice. Disease activity index and histological colitis score were significantly higher in FR167653- than in vehicle-treated DSS animals. Microscopically, mucosal edema, cellular infiltration （CD4 T cells and F4/80 macrophages）, and the disruption of the epithelium were much more severe in FR167653-treated mice than in controls. Mucosal mRNA expression for interleukin-1β （IL-1β） and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） were found to be markedly reduced in FR167653-treated DSS mice. CONCLUSION： Treatment with FR167653 aggravated DSS colitis in mice. This effect was accompanied by a reduction of mucosal IL-1β and TNF-α expression, suggesting a role of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK）-mediated proinflammatory cytokine induction in host defense mechanisms.     

MMP-2、MMP-9与肺癌发生、转移的现状及进展

基质金属蛋白酶(MMPs)又称间质蛋白酶,许多疾病如骨关节炎、多发性硬化、肿瘤等都伴随着MMPs活性的改变,其中以MMPs在恶性肿瘤侵袭转移中的作用最引人注目.本文就MMPs家族中MMP-2、MMP-9与肺癌的发生、转移的现状及进展作一综述.     

瑞巴匹特预防葡聚糖硫酸酯钠诱发的小鼠结肠炎疗效观察及作用机制初探

目的近年氧自由基在溃疡性结肠炎(UC)发病过程中作用受到关注,一种新型的黏膜保护剂瑞巴匹特被认为具有清除氧自由基的作用,有望成为治疗溃疡性结肠炎的新药物。本文观察瑞巴匹特灌肠和灌胃治疗葡聚糖硫酸酯钠(DSS)诱发的小鼠结肠炎效果并探讨可能的作用机制。方法 3%DSS予8周龄雄性BALB/c小鼠自由饮用7 d制成小鼠结肠炎模型。予DSS前5 d开始瑞巴匹特(45 mg/kg/d)灌肠或灌胃治疗直到造模结束,处死小鼠取结肠组织,测量小鼠体重、结肠长度,进行大体和病理评分,分光光度法测定髓过氧化物酶、丙二醛含量,免疫组化法测定核因子κB(NFκB)表达水平,RT-PCR法测定过氧化物酶体增殖体激活受体γ(PPARγ)mRNA表达。结果与安慰剂对照组比较,瑞巴匹特灌肠和灌胃治疗组小鼠大体和病理评分显著改善,髓过氧化物酶活性、丙二醛含量、NFκB活性明显降低,PPARγmRNA的表达显著升高。结论瑞巴匹特可有效预防DSS诱发的小鼠结肠炎,其抑制炎症作用至少部分与清除氧自由基,从而维持局部PPARγ表达和抑制NFκB活性有关。     

凝结芽孢杆菌活菌TBC169株对右旋葡聚糖硫酸钠引发大鼠溃疡性结肠炎的治疗作用

目的:研究凝结芽胞杆茵(Bacillus coagulans,BC)对右旋葡聚糖硫酸钠(DSS)引发的大鼠溃疡性结肠炎(UC)的治疗作用.方法:采用DSS引发大鼠UC,分别用10~7和10~6 CFU/mL BC、0.02g/mL柳氮磺胺吡啶(SASP)和生理盐水(NS)处理.21d后测定动物体质量、结直肠湿重、肠黏膜溃疡、糜烂点数及面积、髓过氧化物酶活性和肠道菌群培养.结果:治疗21d后,各组中大鼠的体质量增加,以BC10~7 CFU/mL增重明显(P<0.05);各治疗组中大鼠的结直肠湿重、肠溃疡糜烂点数、面积、MPO活性与模型组比较均有显著性差异(P<0.05或P<0.01或P<0.001);肠道菌群分析,造型后双歧杆菌数明显下降(P<0.05),治疗后各组的双歧杆菌数量均明显增加(P<0.01或P<0.001),以BC组和SASP组增加最明显(P<0.01或P<0.001).BC在肠道定植.结论:BC对DSS引发的大鼠UC有明显治疗作用.     

Development of colonic neoplasia in p53 deficient mice with experimental colitis induced by dextran sulphate sodium

BACKGROUND: Several animal models for human ulcerative colitis (UC) associated neoplasia have been reported. However, most neoplasias developed in these models have morphological and genetic characteristics different from UC associated neoplasia. AIMS: To establish a new colitis associated neoplasia model in p53 deficient mice by treatment with dextran sulphate sodium (DSS). METHODS: DSS colitis was induced in homozygous p53 deficient mice (p53(-/-)-DSS), heterozygous p53 deficient mice (p53(+/-)-DSS) and wild-type mice (p53+/+-DSS) by treatment with 4% DSS. Numbers of developed neoplasias were compared among the experimental groups, and macroscopic and microscopic features of the neoplasias were analysed. Furthermore, K-ras mutation and beta-catenin expression were assessed. RESULTS: p53(-/-)-DSS mice showed 100% incidence of neoplasias whereas the incidences in p53(+/-)-DSS and p53+/+-DSS mice were 46.2% and 13.3%, respectively. No neoplasias were observed in the control groups. The mean numbers of total neoplasias per mouse were 5.0 (p53(-/-)-DSS), 0.62 (p53(+/-)-DSS), and 0.2 (p53+/+-DSS). The number of neoplasias per mouse in the p53(-/-)-DSS group was significantly higher than that in the other DSS groups. The incidences of superficial type neoplasias were 91.7% in p53(-/-)-DSS mice, 75.0% in p53(+/-)-DSS mice, and 33.3% in p53+/+-DSS mice. The K-ras mutation was not detected in any of the neoplasias tested. Translocation of beta-catenin from the cell membrane to the cytoplasm or nucleus was observed in 19 of 23 (82.6%) neoplasias. CONCLUSIONS: The p53(-/-)-DSS mice is an excellent animal model of UC associated neoplasia because the morphological features and molecular genetics are similar to those of UC associated neoplasia. Therefore, this model will contribute to the analysis of tumorigenesis related to human UC associated neoplasia and the development of chemopreventive agents.     

New approach of medicinal herbs and sulfasalazine mixture on ulcerative colitis induced by dextran sodium sulfate

BACKGROUND Sulfasalazine has been used as a standard-of-care in ulcerative colitis for decades, however, it results in severe adverse symptoms, such as hepatotoxicity, blood disorders, male infertility, and hypospermia. Accordingly, the new treatment strategy has to enhance pharmacological efficacy and stimultaneously minimize side effects.AIM To compare the anti-inflammatory action of sulfasalazine alone or in combination with herbal medicine for ulcerative colitis in a dextran sodium sulfate(DSS)-induced colitis mouse model.METHODS To induce ulcerative colitis, mice received 5% DSS in drinking water for 7 d. Animals were divided into five groups(n = 9 each) for use as normal(non-DSS), DSS controls, DSS + sulfasalazine(30 mg/kg)-treatment experimentals, DSS + sulfasalazine(60 mg/kg)-treatment experimentals, DSS + sulfasalazine(30 mg/kg) + Citrus unshiu peel and Bupleuri radix mixture(30 mg/kg)(SCPB)-treatment experimentals.RESULTS The SCPB treatment showed an outstanding effectiveness in counteracting the ulcerative colitis, as evidenced by reduction in body weight, improvement in crypt morphology, increase in antioxidant defenses, down-regulation of proinflammatory proteins and cytokines, and inhibition of proteins related to apoptosis.CONCLUSION SCPB may represent a promising alternative therapeutic against ulcerative colitis, without inducing adverse effects.