An orally administered growth factor extract derived from bovine whey suppresses breath ethane in colitic rats

Imatinib mitigates experimentally-induced ulcerative colitis: Possible contribution of NF-kB/JAK2/STAT3/COX2 signaling pathway

RATIONALE

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic immune-mediated disease characterized by recurrent inflammation, damage, and alteration of the large intestine's mucosal and submucosal surfaces. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the impact of tyrosine kinase inhibitor (imatinib) on experimentally induced UC in rats via acetic acid (AA).

METHODS

Male rats were randomly assigned to four groups: control, AA, AA + imatinib (10 mg/kg), and AA + imatinib (20 mg/kg). Imatinib (10 and 20 mg/kg/day) was orally supplied by oral syringe for one week before induction of UC. On the eighth day, Rats received enemas containing a 4 % solution of acetic acid to induce colitis. One day after inducing colitis, rats were euthanized and their colons were subjected to morphological, biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical analysis.

RESULTS

Imatinib pretreatment significantly decreased macroscopic and histological damage scores, decreased disease activity index as well as colon mass index. In addition, imatinib successfully lowered the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) in colonic tissues and enhanced superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) and glutathione content (GSH). Imatinib also reduced colonic levels of inflammatory interleukins (IL-23, IL-17, IL-6), JAK2 and STAT3. Furthermore, imatinib suppressed nuclear transcription factor kappa B (NF-kB/p65) level, and COX2 expression in colonic tissues.

SIGNIFICANCE

Imatinib may be a viable therapy option for UC as it halts the interaction network of NF-kB/JAK2/STAT3/COX2 signaling pathway.

The ethanol extract of Periplaneta Americana L. improves ulcerative colitis induced by a combination of chronic stress and TNBS in rats

Purpose:

To investigate the effects of Periplaneta americana L. on ulcerative colitis (UC) induced by a combination of chronic stress (CS) and 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid enema (TNBS) in rats.

Methods:

The experiment UC model with CS was established in rats by a combination of chronic restraint stress, excess failure, improper, and TNBS. The body weight, disease activity index (DAI), colonic mucosal injury index (CMDI), histopathological score (HS) and pro-inflammatory mediators were measured. The content of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) in hypothalamus or adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosteroids (CORT) in plasma were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The proportion of T lymphocyte subsets was detected by flow cytometry, and gut microbiota was detected by 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing.

Results:

Weight loss, DAI, CMDI, HS and proinflammatory mediators were reversed in rats by P. americana L. treatment after UC with CS. Increased epidermal growth factor (EGF) was observed in P. americana L. groups. In addition, P. americana L. could reduce the content of CRH and ACTH and regulate the ratio of CD3⁺, CD3⁺CD8⁺ and CD3⁺CD4⁺CD25⁺/CD4⁺ in spleen. Comparably, P. americana L. changes composition of gut microbiota.

Conclusions:

The ethanol extract of Periplaneta Americana L. improves UC induced by a combination of CS and TNBS in rats.

Carboxymethyl Chitosan Oligosaccharide Holds Promise for Treatment of Stenosis Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic intestinal disturbance mediated by mucosal immune hyperactivity that is often associated with the formation of stenosis. No reliable solution to stenosis CD exists so far. Therefore, we generated carboxymethyl chitosan oligosaccharide (CMCOS) as a new promising therapy and investigate its efficacy in an improved rat CD model. CMCOS was synthesized by enzymatic hydrolysis, and its biosafety was evaluated in vivo. The rat model of stenosis CD was optimized by an orthogonal experiment of 75 or 100 mg/kg trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) in a 50 or 75% ethanol enema. The therapeutic efficacy of CMCOS on the rat model of stenosis CD was investigated and compared with the commercial drug 5-aminosalicylic acid over a 28 day period of disease progression. The rat model of stenosis CD was well established by intracolonic administration of 75 mg/kg TNBS in 75% ethanol. CMCOS significantly alleviated CD symptoms morphologically, hematologically, and pathologically, promoting functional recovery of intestinal epithelium in a dose-dependent manner. CMCOS reduced infiltrations of inflammatory cells by regulating the IL-17A/PPAR-γ pathway and reduced fibro-proliferation and fibro-degeneration of the colon tissue by downregulating the TGF-β1/WT1 pathway. 75 mg/kg TNBS in a 75% ethanol enema induces a rat model of stenosis CD suitable for preclinical pathology and pharmacological studies. The safety, antifibrosis, and functional repair performance of CMCOS make it a promising candidate for the treatment of stenosis CD.

Beneficial effects of the traditional medicine Igongsan and its constituent ergosterol on dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease and is considered a chronic gastrointestinal disorder. Igongsan (IGS) is a Korean herbal medicine, which has been used to treat digestive disorders. However, the ameliorative effect and molecular mechanisms of IGS in intestinal inflammation have not yet been studied in detail. The present study aimed to investigate the protective effects of IGS and its constituent, ergosterol, in a mouse model of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)‑induced colitis. Colitis was induced in mice by supplementing their drinking water with 5% (w/v) DSS for 7 days. The effects of IGS were then determined on DSS‑induced clinical signs of colitis, including weight loss, colon shortening, diarrhea and obscure/gross bleeding. In addition, the effects of IGS were determined on the expression levels of inflammation‑associated genes in the colon tissue of DSS‑treated mice. The results of the present study demonstrated that mice treated with DSS exhibited marked clinical symptoms, including weight loss and reduced colon length. Treatment with IGS attenuated these symptoms and also suppressed the expression levels of tumor necrosis factor‑α and interleukin‑6, as well as the expression of cyclooxygenase‑2 in the colon tissue of DSS‑treated mice. IGS also reduced the activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor‑κB p65 in the colon tissue of DSS‑treated mice. In addition, ergosterol was shown to attenuate the DSS‑induced clinical symptoms of colitis in mice. In conclusion, the present study provided experimental evidence that IGS may be a useful therapeutic drug for patients with UC.

Therapeutic effects of diammonium glycyrrhizinate combined with safflower solution on ulcerative colitis in rats

AIM: To evaluate the therapeutic effects of diammonium glycyrrhizinate (DG) combined with safflower solution (SS) on experimental colitis and on the expression of interleukin-8 (IL-8) in rats.

METHODS: Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into a normal control group, a treatment group (DG combined with SS), a DG group and a TNBS control group, with 10 rats in each group. Colitis was induced by rectal administration of TNBS in rats in the treatment group, DG group and TNBS control group. Rats in the treatment group were treated with DG (40 mg/kg) and SS (400 mg/kg) every day, and the DG group was treated with DG (40 mg/kg) every day. Disease activity index (DAI) and histological damage score were calculated, and the expression of IL-8 in colon tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS: In the normal control group, treatment group, DG group and TNBS control group, DAIs were 1.4 ± 0.3, 2.4 ± 0.2, 3.8 ± 0.4 and 7.6 ± 0.9, respectively; histological damage scores were 1.5 ± 0.4, 2.4 ± 0.4, 3.7 ± 0.6 and 6.3 ± 1.1, respectively; and the positive percentages of IL-8 were 15.7% ± 3.7%, 20.8% ± 4.7%, 34.7% ± 4.9% and 56.4% ± 6.9%, respectively. Compared with the TNBS control group, DAI and histological injury scores were significantly improved in the treatment group and DG group, and the expression of IL-8 was decreased significantly in the treatment group (P < 0.01 or < 0.05). Compared with the DG group, DAI and histological damage scores were significantly improved and the expression of IL-8 was decreased significantly in the treatment group (P < 0.01 or < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: DG combined with SS exerts a better effect than DG alone in the treatment of experimental ulcerative colitis in rats, and the underlying mechanism is possibly associated with affecting the expression of IL-8.

Treatment with Carthamus Tinctorius Injection up-regulates IL-4 expression and down-regulates IL-1β expression in ulcerative colitis in rats

AIM: To investigate the therapeutic effects of Carthamus Tinctorius Injection (CTI) against ulcerative colitis (UC) induced with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) in rats and to explore the possible mechanisms involved.

METHODS: Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into a treatment group, a model group, and a normal control group (n = 10 for each group). UC was induced with TNBS in rats in both the treatment group and model group. The treatment group was additionally treated with CTI. At the end of the treatment, colonic mucosal samples were taken to calculate disease activity index (DAI) and observe gross morphology of the colon and tissue injury. Colonic mucosal pathological changes were observed by HE staining. The expression of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-1β mRNAs and proteins in colon tissue was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC).

RESULTS: Compared to the model group, the DAI and gross morphology and pathological changes in colon tissue were significantly improved in the treatment group (all P < 0.05). The level of IL-4 in the treatment group was significantly higher than that in the model group (P < 0.05), but no differences was detected between the treatment group and control group. The level of IL-1β in treatment group and model group was significantly higher than that in control group (P < 0.05), but the level in treatment group was significantly lower than that in model group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: CTI treatment relieved TNBS-induced colitis in rats possibly via mechanism associated with increasing IL-4 expression and decreasing IL-1β expression.

Protective role of metalloproteinase inhibitor (AE-941) on ulcerative colitis in rats

AIM: To evaluate the protective role of AE-941, a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor, on ulcerative colitis (UC) in rats.

METHODS: Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into three groups: a control group, an AE-941 treatment group, and an UC model group. Rats were sacrificed on days 7, 21, or 56 following administration of treatment by enema and the disease activity index (DAI), colonic mucosa damage index (CMDI) and colonic expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were assessed.

RESULTS: DAI and CDMI scores in the UC model group increased significantly compared to the control group at all timepoints (P < 0.001), and also increased significantly at the 21- and 56-d timepoints compared to the AE-941-treated group (DAI: 21- and 56-d = 2.09 ± 0.25, 1.52 ± 0.30 vs 1.55 ± 0.28, 0.59 ± 0.19, respectively, P = 0.040 and 0.007, CMDI: 21- and 56-d = 3.03 ± 0.42, 1.60 ± 0.35 vs 2.08 ± 0.46, 0.86 ± 0.37, respectively, P = 0.040 and 0.005). Furthermore, the colonic expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the UC model group increased significantly compared to the control group (P < 0.001), and also increased compared to the AE-941-treated group on the 21- and 56-d timepoints (MMP-2: 21- and 56-d = 0.6048 ± 0.0522, 0.4163 ± 0.0330 vs 0.3983 ± 0.0218, 0.1093 ± 0.0072, respectively, P = 0.010; MMP-9: 21- and 56-d = 0.6873 ± 0.0472, 0.4328 ± 0.0257 vs 0.5179 ± 0.0305, 0.2673 ± 0.0210, respectively, P = 0.010 and 0.040).

CONCLUSION: Expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 increased significantly in rats with UC. AE-941 can reduce colonic mucosal damage by downregulating the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9.

Effect of treatment with safflower solution on expression of VEGF and bFGF in ulcerative colitis in rats

AIM: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of safflower solution on 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced ulcerative colitis in rats and to explore the underlying mechanisms by observing the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basal fibroblast growth factor (bFGF).

METHODS: Thirty Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control group, model group and safflower group. Ulcerative colitis was induced in the safflower group and model group with TNBS by enema. Rats of the safflower group were intraperitoneally injected with safflower solution. After ten days, all rats were killed. Disease activity index (DAI), colon macroscopic damage score (CMDS) and histological damage score were evaluated. Pathological changes in the colonic mucosa were examined by HE staining. The expression of VEGF and bFGF in the colonic mucosa was detected by real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC).

RESULTS: Compared to normal controls, the DAI, CMDS and histological damage scores in model rats were significantly increased (all P < 0.01). Compared to the model group, the above parameters were significantly improved in the safflower group (all P < 0.05). Compared to normal controls, the expression levels of VEGF and bFGF in model rats were increased significantly (all P < 0.01). Treatment with safflower solution significantly decreased the expression levels of VEGF mRNA and protein in ulcerative colitis (both P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Treatment with safflower solution could reduce inflammatory injury in a rat model of ulcerative colitis possibly by reducing the expression of VEGF and inhibiting pathologic angiogenesis in the colonic mucosa.

Influence of Rosiglitazone on the Expression of PPARγ, NF-κB, and TNF-α in Rat Model of Ulcerative Colitis

Aim. To observe the disease activity index (DAI) and the colonic mucosa damage index (CMDI), detect the colonic mucosal expression of PPARγ, NF-κB, and TNF-α in rats with ulcerative colitis (UC), and to investigate the protective role of rosiglitazone in UC. Methods. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into three groups: a control group, a rosiglitazone treatment group, and a UC model group. Rats were sacrificed on days 7, 14, 21, or 35 following administration of treatment after enema and DAI, CMDI and colonic expression of PPARγ, NF-κB, and TNF-α were assessed. Results. In the UC model group, DAI, CDMI and the colonic expression of NF-κB and TNF-α increased significantly compared to the control group at all timepoints, but PPARγ decreased significantly. Furthermore, in the rosiglitazone treatment group, DAI and CMDI decreased significantly on the 14-day, 21-day, and 35-day timepoints compared to the UC model group; the colonic expression of NF-κB and TNF-α decreased compared to UC model group at all timepoints, but the PPARγ expression increased significantly. Conclusions. Rosiglitazone can alleviate colonic mucosal inflammation and have the protective role on UC by upregulating PPARγ expression and downregulating NF-κB and TNF-α expression.

Effect of Etiasa on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and tumor necrosis factor-α in a rat model of ulcerative colitis

The aim of this study was to determine the disease activity index (DAI) and the colonic mucosa damage index (CMDI), and to detect the colonic mucosal expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in rats with ulcerative colitis (UC). We also aimed to investigate the protective role of Etiasa in UC. Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into three groups: the control, an Etiasa-treated group and a UC model group. Rats were sacrificed on days 14, 21, 35 or 56 following the administration of treatment by enema and the DAI, CMDI and colonic expression levels of MMP-2 and TNF-α were assessed. In the UC model group, the DAI and CDMI scores and the colonic expression levels of MMP-2 and TNF-α increased significantly compared with the control at all timepoints, and were also significantly higher than those in the Etiasa-treated group. In conclusion, the expression levels of MMP-2 and TNF-α increased significantly in rats with UC. Etiasa reduces colonic mucosal damage by downregulating the expression of MMP-2 and TNF-α.

Diammonium glycyrrhizinate up-regulates the expression of Foxp3 mRNA in rats with ulcerative colitis

AIM: To evaluate the protective effect of diammonium glycyrrhizinate (DG) against ulcerative colitis in rats and to investigate potential mechanisms involved.

METHODS: Thirty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were equally randomized into normal control group, model group and DG group. Ulcerative colitis was induced in the DG group and model group by rectal administration of trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS). Disease activity index (DAI) and histological damage were evaluated, and the expression of forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTS: Both DAI and histological damage score were significantly higher in the model group than in the normal control group (DAI: 7.1 ± 0.2 vs 0.3 ± 0.6, P < 0.05; histological damage score: 6.7 ± 0.5 vs 0.9 ± 0.2, P < 0.05). Compared with the model group, DAI and histological damage score were significantly improved in the DG group (DAI: 3.1 ± 0.6 vs 7.1 ± 0.2, P < 0.05; histological damage score: 3.3 ± 0.4 vs 6.7 ± 0.5, P < 0.05). Compared with the normal control group, the expression of Foxp3 mRNA was down-regulated in PBMCs in the model group (0.51 ± 0.34 vs 1.09 ± 0.38, P < 0.05). DG treatment significantly up-regulated the expression of Foxp3 mRNA in PBMCs (0.92 ± 0.53 vs 0.51 ± 0.34, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: DG can ameliorate colonic inflammation in rats with ulcerative colitis possibly by increasing the expression of Foxp3 mRNA in PBMCs.

Effects of diammonium glycyrrhizinate on ulcerative colitis in rats

AIM: To investigate the effects of diammonium glycyrrhizinate (DG) on ulcerative colitis (UC) in rats and to probe into its underlying mechanism.

METHODS: Fifty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: normal control group, model group, 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) group, DG group, and combination of 5-ASA and DG group (n = 10 in each group). The rat colitis model was induced by 2, 4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) and acetic acid. Disease activity index (DAI), colonic histology, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were observed.The expression of nuclear factor (NF)-κB and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in colonic mucosa were determined by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS: Compared with model group, DAI(3.30 ± 1.34, 3.20 ± 1.14 vs 7.80 ± 1.62, both P < 0.01), lesions of colonic mucosa (1.88 ± 0.34,1.84 ± 0.21 vs 3.09 ± 0.22, both P < 0.01), MPO activity (0.46 ± 0.07, 0.47 ± 0.04 vs 0.61 ± 0.04, both P < 0.01), NF-κB expression (0.373 ± 0.031, 0.368 ± 0.028 vs 0.517 ± 0.028, both P < 0.01) and iNOS expression (0.350 ± 0.015, 0.365 ± 0.025 vs 0.487 ± 0.021, both P < 0.01) in colonic mucosa in DG group and 5-ASA group were decreased significantly and SOD activity were significantly increased (19.83 ± 3.36, 20.27 ± 2.44 vs 13.09 ± 3.24, both P < 0.01). The above changes were even more significant in combination of 5-ASA and DG group (all P < 0.01), and there was no significant difference between normal control group and combination of 5-ASA and DG group, nor between 5-ASA group and DG group.

CONCLUSION: DG could treat experimental colitis in rats, which may be related to relieve colon tissue injury in colitis by suppressing the activity of NF-κB, resisting oxygen free radicals, and exerting antioxidation effects. The combination treatment of DG and 5-ASA has a better effect than either of individual treatment alone.

Anti-inflammatory effect of Diammonium Glycyrrhizinate in a rat model of ulcerative colitis

AIM: To explore the anti-inflammatory mechanism of Diammonium Glycyrrhizinate in a rat model of ulcerative colitis induced by acetic acid.

METHODS: Spragur-Dawley female rats were divided into four groups: Diammonium Glycyrrhizinate group, dexamethasone group, acetic acid control and normal control group. Colonic inflammation was evaluated by disease activity index, gross morphologic damage, histological injury and colonic myeloperoxidase activity. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of NF-κB, TNF-α and ICAM-1 in colonic mucosa.

RESULTS: Compared to the acetic acid control, both Diammonium Glycyrrhizinate and dexamethasone showed a significant anti-inflammatory effect (P < 0.01). The expression of NF-κB, TNF-α and ICAM-1 in colonic mucosa was significantly lower in the Diammonium Glycyrrhizinate group and dexamethasone group than in the acetic acid group.

CONCLUSION: Diammonium Glycyrrhizinate could reduce inflammatory injury in a rat model of ulcerative colitis. This may occur via suppression of NF-κB, TNF-α and ICAM-1 in colonic mucosa.

Whey proteins and peptides: beneficial effects on immune health

A 65-year-old male with liver metastases after lung cancer resection was treated with five courses of chemotherapy consisting of gemcitabine (GEM) 1,000 mg/m2 (day 1, 8, every 4 weeks) plus carboplatin (CBDCA) AUC 6 (day 1, every 4 weeks). A partial response (PR) was achieved, his symptoms abated and his quality of life(QOL) improved. Although bone marrow suppression was observed as a side effect, it was within the tolerable range and did not interfere with therapy. This approach may be worth considering as a first-line anti-cancer chemotherapy for recurrence lung cancer.

Anti-inflammatory mechanism of oxymatrine in dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis of rats

AIM: To investigate the anti-inflammatory mechanism of oxymatrine in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis of rats.

METHODS: Acute colitis was induced by giving 2% DSS orally in drinking water for 8 d. Twenty-six male rats were randomized into oxymatrine-treated group (group A, 10 rats), DSS control (group B, 10 rats) and normal control (group C, 6 rats). The rats in group A were injected muscularly with oxymatrine at the dosage of 63 mg/(kg穌) from d 1 to 11 and drank 2% DSS solution from d 4 to 11. The rats in group B were treated with 0.9% saline in an equal volume as group A and drank 2% DSS solution from d 4 to 11. The rats in group C were treated with 0.9% saline as group B from d 1 to 11 and drank water normally. Diarrhea and bloody stool as well as colonic histology were observed. The levels of serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were determined by ELISA, and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activity and the expression of inter-cellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in colonic mucosa were detected by immunohistochemistry method.

RESULTS: Compared with DSS control group, the inflammatory symptoms and histological damages of colonic mucosa in oxymatrine-treated group were significantly improved, the serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and the expression of NF-κB, ICAM-1 in colonic mucosa were significantly reduced.

CONCLUSION: The fact that oxymatrine can reduce the serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and the expression of NF-κB and ICAM-1 in colonic mucosa in DSS-induced colitis of rats indicates that oxymatrine may ameliorate the colonic inflammation and thus alleviate diarrhea and bloody stool.

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Insulin-like growth factor-I and the gastrointestinal system: therapeutic indications and safety implications

Following the identification of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) as a potent trophic factor for the intestine over a decade ago, therapeutic indications have been identified for a range of candidate bowel disorders and diseases in which accelerated intestinal repair is desirable. Subsequent experimental studies in experimentally-induced animal models and genetically-modified mice have supported a therapeutic role for IGF-I in facilitated repair processes in gastrointestinal disorders including radiation enteritis, chemotherapy-induced mucositis and inflammatory bowel disease, conditions associated with either the pre-existence of malignancy or a predisposition to develop neoplasia. Moreover, recent evidence from in vitro, in vivo and human population studies is suggestive of an active role for IGF-I in the development and progression of certain cancers, and although causality remains unproven, antagonism of IGF-I action is being pursued as a potential chemo-preventive strategy. Novel milk and colostrum-derived bioactive formulations containing IGF-I are being developed as adjunctive treatment modalities for certain bowel disorders. Understanding the precise role of the IGF axis in cancer will either identify antagonism of the IGF-I/receptor interaction as an important approach in cancer prevention and risk reduction, or alternatively, support further development of IGF-I as a promising treatment modality for acute gastrointestinal disease.

Dietary supplementation with zinc and a growth factor extract derived from bovine cheese whey improves methotrexate-damaged rat intestine

BACKGROUND

Oral administration of zinc or bovine whey-derived growth factor extract (WGFE) is known to reduce intestinal permeability and ameliorate methotrexate (MTX)-induced mucositis, respectively.

OBJECTIVE

We examined the effects of zinc, WGFE, and zinc plus WGFE on gut damage in MTX-treated rats.

DESIGN

Rats (n = 16/group) were fed zinc (1000 mg/kg diet), WGFE (32 mg/kg diet), zinc plus WGFE, or control (10 mg Zn/kg diet) diets for 7 d and then injected subcutaneously with MTX (2.5 mg/kg) for 3 d to induce gut damage. Gut histology and intestinal permeability were assessed.

RESULTS

The Zn+WGFE diet was associated with both reduced gut damage on day 5 and enhanced recovery on day 7. The WGFE diet ameliorated gut damage, whereas the Zn and Zn+WGFE diets enhanced repair. Gut metallothionein and tissue zinc concentrations were significantly (P < 0.01) higher with Zn and Zn+WGFE on days 5 and 7 than without zinc supplementation. The Zn and Zn+WGFE diets significantly (P < 0.05) decreased gut permeability on days 3-4 compared with the control diet. Intestinal permeability was significantly (P < 0.05) increased on days 5-6. On days 6-7, only the WGFE diet improved gut permeability (by 80%) compared with the control diet.

CONCLUSIONS

Dietary administration of WGFE and a pharmacologic dose of zinc reduced intestinal damage and enhanced recovery, respectively. WGFE also improved gut permeability after MTX-induced bowel damage. In combination, zinc and WGFE hastened repair of gut damage, which may have clinical application in chemotherapy-induced mucositis.

Colostrum and milk-derived peptide growth factors for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders

Colostrum is the specific first diet of mammalian neonates and is rich in immunoglobulins, antimicrobial peptides, and growth factors. In this article we review some of these constituents of human and bovine colostrum in comparison with those of mature milk. Recent studies suggest that colostral fractions, or individual peptides present in colostrum, might be useful for the treatment of a wide variety of gastrointestinal conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug-induced gut injury, and chemotherapy-induced mucositis. We therefore discuss the therapeutic possibilities of using whole colostrum, or individual peptides present in colostrum, for the treatment of various gastrointestinal diseases and the relative merits of the 2 approaches.