Agents capable of eliminating reactive oxygen species

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radical, and hypochlorous acid have been implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammation and tissue injury in colitis. To determine whether or not anti-ROS agents can decrease the severity of colitis, we evaluated the effects of three known anti-ROS agents: catalase, WR-2721, and Cu(II)₂(3,5-DIPS)₄ on acetic acid-induced colonic inflammation in rats. Histologically, all three compounds significantly decreased the severity of colonic inflammation. The anti-ROS activity of these compounds was also tested using the luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence assay. Catalase, WR-2721, or Cu(II)₂(3,5-DIPS)₄ significantly inhibited luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence produced by inflamed colonic mucosa. These findings suggest that ROS, and in particular superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, and/or one of its secondarily derived species, may play an important role in acetic acid-induced colitis. Further studies are needed to determine the potential effectiveness of these compounds in human colitis.