A traditional Japanese medicine mitigates TNBS-induced colitis in rats

Arjunarishta alleviates experimental colitis via suppressing proinflammatory cytokine expression, modulating gut microbiota and enhancing antioxidant effect

Traditional ayurvedic medicine, Arjunarishta (AA) is used to treat several inflammatory conditions including dysentery associated with blood. The formulation is a decoction of Terminalia arjuna (Roxb.) Wight and Arn. (TA), Madhuca indica J.F.Gmel., Vitis vinifera L., Woodfordia fruticosa (L.) Kurz., and Saccharum officinarum L. Terminalia arjuna, a major constituent of this formulation has been recognized for anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed at evaluating beneficial effects of AA and probable mechanism of action in Trinitrobenzenesulphonicacid (TNBS) induced colitis model. Response to AA treatment was explored through determination of disease activity index (DAI), histological assessment and damage scores, colonic pro-inflammatory cytokine/chemokine expression and estimation of oxidative stress biomarkers. Improvement in gut microbiome and plasma zinc level was also assessed. Study findings directed therapeutic effects of AA treatment in colitis model by attenuating the colitis symptoms such as weight loss, diarrhoea, blood in stool; histological damage; and downregulated expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokine (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) and MCP-1). Similarly reduced oxidative stress by decreased level of Nitric Oxide (NO), Myeloperoxidase (MPO), Malondialdehyde (MDA) and enhanced level of Catalase (CAT), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Reduced Glutathione (GSH) was also witnessed. In addition, an improved beneficial fecal microbiome profile and restored plasma zinc status was revealed compared to the TNBS control group. The present study directs that downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokine expression, enhancement of antioxidant effect, increased plasma zinc status and promising role in modulating fecal microbiome might be potential mechanisms for the therapeutic effect of AA treatment against colitis.

A Synbiotic with Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Inhibitory Activity Ameliorates Experimental Jejunoileal Mucosal Injury

Despite the recent development of biological modifiers for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), there continues to be considerable interest in fermented medicines because of its negligible adverse effects. We previously showed that the synbiotic Gut Working Tablet (GWT) alleviates experimental colitis. Here we show that GWT is capable of ameliorating jejunoileal mucosal injury, which is frequently seen with IBD. We created experimental jejunoileal mucositis in rats by injection of methotrexate (MTX) which increases intestinal permeability, a hallmark finding of IBD. Administering GWT to MTX-injected rats restored intestinal integrity by reversing villi shortening, crypt loss, and goblet cell depletion in the mucosa. Also GWT reduced activities of myeloperoxidase and lipid peroxidase and increased superoxide dismutase activity, which is critical for maintaining intestinal function. We further found that GWT suppressed mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-12 (IL-12) in macrophage and reduced TNF-α mRNA expression in specimens with experimental colitis, which is in contrast to VSL#3 that enhanced TNF-α production. Together, the current and previous animal studies clearly demonstrate the protective role of GWT in chemically induced enterocolitis. Crohn's disease, a well-known IBD, can affect any portion of the intestine, and these results suggest that GWT may be useful as a novel therapeutic or maintenance therapy for IBD.

Study of the mechanisms of a Japanese traditional fermented medicine in the improvement of constipation

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Gut Working Tablet (GWT) is a Japanese traditional fermented medicine based on Aspergillus oryzae NK-fermented grain germ. Although GWT has been used by patients with constipation, the mechanism has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to examine the possible mechanisms of the effect of GWT on constipation.

METHODS

The effect of GWT water extracts on gut contractility using ileum strips from guinea pig and on the growth of Bifidobacterium longum were examined in vitro. The 14 Sprague Dawley rats were administered loperamide at 10 mg/day per kg for 3 days. They were fed with and without 5% of GWT before and during administration of loperamide. Number of stools and weight of feces were measured before and during administration of loperamide. The concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the feces and cecal contents were measured by gas chromatography.

RESULTS

GWT water extracts dose-dependently induced ileal contractile responses, which were inhibited by atropine. The growth of B. longum was increased in the presence of GWT water extracts in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.01 vs control). The decrease in both the number and weight of feces caused by loperamide was improved by GWT administration (P < 0.05 vs loperamide). The decrease in the butyric acid concentration in feces and cecal contents induced by the administration of loperamide was inhibited by GWT (P = 0.035 and 0.018).

CONCLUSION

GWT water extracts may induce cholinergic-like stimulation and promote the growth of probiotics. Furthermore, GWT water extract contributed to normalization of colonic SCFAs. These results may explain, at least in part, the beneficial effects of GWT on constipation.

Resveratrol Pretreatment Ameliorates TNBS Colitis in Rats

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic intestinal inflammatory disease in humans constituting a major health concern today whose prevalence has been increasing over the world. Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and disturbed capacity of antioxidant defense in IBD subjects have been reported. Antioxidants may play a significant role in IBD treatment. This study aimed at evaluating ameliorative effects of intraperitoneal resveratrol pretreatment on trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis in rats. Thirty five Wistar-Albino female rats were divided equally into five groups. Inflammation was induced by the intrarectal administration of TNBS under anesthesia. Intraperitoneal administration of resveratrol (RSV) at a concentration of 10mg/kg/day for 5 days before the induction of colitis significantly reduced microscopy score and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and increased glutathione peroxidase (GSH Px) activity compared to TNBS and vehicle groups. Also an insignificant increase in catalase (CAT) activity was observed in the RSV treated group compared to TNBS and vehicle groups. In this paper, the most recent patent on the identification and treatment of IBD was indicated. In conclusion, antioxidant RSV proved to have a beneficial effect on TNBS colitis in rats. In light of these advantageous results, the RSV can be considered as adjuvant agent in IBD treatments.

Protective effects of fermented rice vinegar sediment (Kurozu moromimatsu) in a diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocellular carcinoma animal model

Kurozu moromimatsu is the sediment of Kurozu, a jar-fermented Japanese black vinegar produced from unpolished rice. Here, we examined the protective effects of Kurozu moromimatsu in a diethylnitrosamine-induced model of hepatocellular carcinoma. Thirty-two F344 rats were divided into two groups; the control group received basal CE-2 diet, and the Kurozu moromimatsu group received CE-2 diet containing Kurozu moromimatsu. At 16 weeks after initial intraperitoneal administration of diethylnitrosamine (150 mg/kg/week), serum was collected from half the rats. These rats were sacrificed and the liver was resected for histological examination of hematoxylin-eosin-stained sections and assay of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 levels in tumor tissues. Glutathione S-transferase placental form-positive foci were evaluated by immunostaining for glutathione S-transferase placental form. The remaining rats were maintained for evaluation of survival. There were no significant differences of serum transaminases, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and also no marked hepatic histological differences, between the two groups. However, the size of hepatocellular carcinomas was greatly decreased and the levels of activated matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 were significantly reduced in the Kurozu moromimatsu group. Further, survival was significantly prolonged in the Kurozu moromimatsu group compared with the control. These results indicate that Kurozu moromimatsu inhibited the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Immunomodulatory and therapeutic potential of a mycelial lectin from Aspergillus nidulans

Lectins bind to surface receptors on target cells, and activate a cascade of events, eventually leading to altered immune status of host. The immunomodulatory potential of purified lectin from Aspergillus nidulans was evaluated in Swiss albino mice treated intraperitoneally with seven different doses of purified lectin. Lectin prevented BSA-induced Arthus reaction and systemic anaphylaxis. The enhanced functional ability of macrophages was evident from respiratory burst activity and nitric oxide production in splenocyte cultures. Interferon-gamma and interleukin-6 levels were significantly up-regulated in treated groups. Maximum stimulatory effect was observed at the dose of 1.5 mg/kg body weight. Therapeutic potential of A. nidulans lectin was assessed against trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in male Wistar rats. Rats pre-treated with 80 mg/kg body weight of purified lectin intraperitoneally prior to colitis induction showed lesser disease severity and recovery within 7 days, while rats post-treated with the same dose showed recovery in 11 days. The results demonstrate immunomodulatory effects of A. nidulans lectin in Swiss albino mice, resulting in improved immune status of the animals and unfold its curative effect against ulcerative colitis in rat model. This is the first report on immunomodulatory and therapeutic potential of a lectin from microfungi.

Protective effects of Kurozu and Kurozu Moromimatsu on dextran sulfate sodium-induced experimental colitis

BACKGROUND

Kurozu, a traditional Japanese black vinegar made from unpolished rice, and Kurozu Moromimatsu (Kurozu-M), its sediment, are both consumed in Japan as health foods or supplements. However, it is not known whether they have anti-colitis activity.

AIMS

We examined the protective effects of Kurozu and Kurozu-M in an animal model of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis.

METHODS

DSS-induced colitis was induced in C57 black 6 mice by orally administering 3.5% DSS solution for 12 days. The control group received basal CE-2 diet (n = 10), the Kurozu group received CE-2 containing Kurozu (n = 10), the Kurozu-M group received CE-2 containing Kurozu-M (n = 10), and the acetic acid group received CE-2 containing acetic acid (n = 10), starting a week before DSS administration. Changes of body weight and bloody stool frequency were monitored. At 12 days after DSS administration, mice were killed for pathological examination and measurement of nitrotyrosine levels in rectal tissues.

RESULTS

Kurozu significantly inhibited body weight loss during 6-12 days after DSS administration and reduced bloody stool frequency during 2-12 days, and also significantly decreased nitrotyrosine levels at 12 days, compared to the control group. Kurozu-M significantly inhibited body weight loss during 6-8 days after DSS administration and reduced bloody stool frequency during 2-12 days, but tissue nitrotyrosine level was not significantly different from the control. Acetic acid had no ameliorating effect on DSS-induced colitis compared to the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Kurozu and Kurozu-M have protective effects against DSS-induced colitis. Kurozu has anti-oxidative and anti-nitration activity.

Evaluation of gastrointestinal injury and blood flow of small bowel during low-dose aspirin administration

Low-dose acetylsalicylic acid has been widely used. We evaluated small bowel and gastric injuries during acetylsalicylic acid administration using video capsule endoscopy and gastroduodenal endoscopy. We also investigated blood flow using contrast-enhanced ultrasonography. Six healthy volunteers were enrolled in this preliminary study. The subjects were administered 100 mg of enteric-coated aspirin daily for 14 days. Video capsule endoscopy and gastroduodenal endoscopy were simultaneously performed before administration and on days 1, 3, 7 and 14. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography was performed before administration and on day 2, and 8. Video capsule endoscopy after administration of low-dose acetylsalicylic acid revealed small bowel mucosal damages of petechiae and erythema in all cases, and denuded area in one case. The total number of lesions in the small bowel increased according to duration of low-dose acetylsalicylic acid administration. However, the total number of lesions in the stomach peaked on day 3. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography showed that the time-intensity curve peak value and Areas under the curves after acetylsalicylic acid administration were reduced. We observed not only gastric mucosal injuries but also small intestinal injuries with short-term low-dose acetylsalicylic acid administration. Acetylsalicylic acid administration also caused a decrease in small intestinal blood flow. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography is useful for evaluation blood flow in the small bowel mucosa.