Effects of Rhizophora mangle on Experimental Colitis Induced by TNBS in Rats. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:753971. [PMID: 23056142 DOI: 10.1155/2012/753971]

Evidence for the efficacy of anti-inflammatory plants used in Brazilian traditional medicine with ethnopharmacological relevance

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

When exacerbated, inflammatory processes can culminate in physical and emotional disorders and, if not stopped, can be lethal. The high prevalence of inflammation has become a public health problem, and the need for new drugs to treat this pathology is imminent. The use of medicinal plants has emerged as an alternative, and a survey of data that corroborates its application in inflammatory diseases is the starting point. Furthermore, Brazil harbors a megadiversity, and the traditional use of plants is relevant and needs to be preserved and carefully explored for the discovery of new medicines.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This review sought to survey the medicinal plants traditionally used in Brazil for the treatment of inflammatory processes and to perform, in an integrative way, a data survey of these species and analysis of their phytochemical, pharmacological, and molecular approaches.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Brazilian plants that are traditionally used for inflammation (ophthalmia, throat inflammation, orchitis, urinary tract inflammation, ear inflammation, and inflammation in general) are listed in the DATAPLAMT database. This database contains information on approximately 3400 native plants used by Brazilians, which were registered in specific documents produced until 1950. These inflammatory disorders were searched in scientific databases (PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Lilacs, Scielo, Virtual Health Library), with standardization of DECS/MESH descriptors for inflammation in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese, without chronological limitations. For the inclusion criteria, all articles had to be of the evaluated plant species, without association of synthesized substances, and full articles free available in any of the four languages searched. Duplicated articles and those that were not freely available were excluded.

RESULTS

A total of 126 species were identified, culminating in 6181 articles in the search. After evaluation of the inclusion criteria, 172 articles representing 40 different species and 38 families were included in the study. Comparison of reproducibility in intra-species results became difficult because of the large number of extraction solvents tested and the wide diversity of evaluation models used. Although the number of in vitro and in vivo evaluations was high, only one clinical study was found (Abrus precatorius). In the phytochemical analyses, more than 225 compounds, mostly phenolic compounds, were identified.

CONCLUSION

This review allowed the grouping of preclinical and clinical studies of several Brazilian species traditionally used for the treatment of many types of inflammation, corroborating new searches for their pharmacological properties as a way to aid public health. Furthermore, the large number of plants that have not yet been studied has encouraged new research to revive traditional knowledge.

Protective effect of naringin ameliorates TNBS-induced colitis in rats via improving antioxidant status and pro-inflammatory cytokines

Aim: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that disturbs the colon mucosal lining and is characterized by oxido-nitrosative stress and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Naringin (NG) belongs to a group of chemicals called bioflavonoids derived from grapefruit and related citrus species. NG has been widely used as folk medicine in many countries, due to its several health benefits.Method: This study examined the effect of NG on 2,4,6 trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis in rats. Forty-two male Wistar rats were divided into seven groups like Normal Control (NC), Ethanol Control (EC), Disease Control (DC), NG 20 (20 mg/kg, p.o.), NG 40 (40 mg/kg, p.o.), NG 80 (80 mg/kg, p.o.), and Dexamethasone (DEX) (2 mg/kg, p.o.). Colitis was induced in Wistar albino rats by administering TNBS intra-rectally (in 50% ethanol). The rats were then given 14 days of NG (20, 40, and 80 mg/kg) and DEX (2 mg/kg) treatment. Several behavioral, biochemical, molecular, and histological analyses were performed.Result: The treatment of rats with NG significantly increased the body weight (p < .05, p < .01), hematological parameters like hemoglobin (p < .05, p < .01, p < .001), red blood cells (p < .01, p < .001), and platelets count (p < .01, p < .001) and decreased in spleen weight (p < .01, p < .001), colon weight (p < .01, p < .001), colon weight to length ratio (p < .05, p < .01, p < .001), macroscopic score (p < .01, p < .001), adhesion score (p < .01, p < .001), diarrhea score (p < .05, p < .001), stool consistency (p < .01, p < .001), rectal bleeding score (p < .05, p < .01, p < .001), white blood cells count (p < .01, p < .001). NG significantly (p < .01, p < .001) increased colonic superoxide, glutathione, and catalase levels and decreased malondialdehyde and myeloperoxidase levels. It also significantly (p < .01, p < .001) decreased the biochemical parameters, proinflammatory cytokines and reduced the histological damage in the colon tissue caused by TNBS.Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that NG treatment attenuated pathologic changes of TNBS-induced colitis in rats through restoring colonic damage and reducing inflammatory response in the colon tissue. Thus, NG might be considered as an effective candidate for the treatment of UC patients.

Investigation of the Active Ingredients and Mechanism of Hudi Enteric-Coated Capsules in DSS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis Mice Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification

Background

Hudi enteric-coated capsule (HDC) is a Chinese medicine prescribed to treat ulcerative colitis (UC). However, its anti-inflammatory active ingredients and mechanisms remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate the active components of HDC and explore its potential mechanisms against UC by integrating network pharmacology and experimental verification.

Methods

A DSS-induced colitis murine model was established to validate the efficacy of HDC by detecting disease activity index (DAI) and histopathological changes. Network pharmacological analysis was performed to identify the active compounds and core targets of HDC for the treatment of UC. The main compounds in HDC were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography. The relative expressions of HDC’s core targets were also determined in vivo. Finally, molecular docking was applied to model the interaction between HDC and target proteins.

Results

In an in vivo experiment, HDC, especially the middle-dose HDC, effectively reduced clinical symptoms of UC, including weight loss, bloody stool, and colon shortening. Besides, the severity of colitis was considerably suppressed by HDC as evidenced by reduced DAI scores. A total of 118 active compounds and 69 candidate targets from HDC closely related to UC progression were identified via network pharmacology. Enrichment analysis revealed that the key targets of HDC correlated with the expressions of PTGS2, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. Meanwhile, these cytokines were enriched in various biological processes through the IL-17/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. The middle-dose HDC contributed more to ameliorating DSS-induced colitis through this signaling pathway than other dosages. Nine components binding to JAK2, STAT3, IL-17 and IL-6 were identified by molecular docking, confirming again the inhibition effects of HDC on the IL-17/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Conclusion

The HDC treatment, particularly the middle-dose, exerted an anti-UC effect in a multi-component, multi-target, and multi-mechanism manner, especially inhibiting the IL-17/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway to downregulate the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines.

Beneficial effect of Bidens pilosa L. (Asteraceae) in a rat model of colitis

Background Bidens pilosa (BP) possessed anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities. Its beneficial effects on intestinal inflammation and oxidative stress in 2,4,6 trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) induced colitis in Wistar rats was evaluated. Methods Thirty female Wistar rats weighing 180-200 g were distributed into six groups (n = 5): non-colitic, untreated colitic and colitic rats treated graded doses of methanol extract of BP (50-400 mg/kg). Colitis was induced in rats by intracolonic instillation of 0.2 mL of 40 mg/mL TNBS. BP was administered two days pre-colitis induction and treatments continued until seven days post-colitis induction. A day after the last treatment, rats were euthanized, colon removed aseptically and response to treatment assessed. Phytochemical composition of BP was determined using the GC-MS. Results BP significantly reduced macroscopic colonic damage score, weight/length ratio, colonic lipid peroxidation level, leukocytes infiltration, and TNF-α level in comparison to untreated colitic rats (p ≤ 0.008). Similarly, treatment with 200 and 400 mg/kg BP prevented depletion of colonic glutathione level than other treatment groups (p ≤ 0.0002). Histological findings revealed that treatment with 400 mg/kg BP significantly preserved the mucosal epithelial layer. It also prevented ulceration and sloughing of the mucosal layers and reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells compared to other treatment groups. Among the 16 compounds identified were oleic acid (6.2%) and n-hexadecanoic acid (2.0%) with antioxidant anti-inflammatory activities. Conclusions The beneficial effects of BP in rat colitis might be related to the reduction of leucocytes infiltration, inhibition of oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Dimethyl Fumarate Alleviates Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis, through the Activation of Nrf2-Mediated Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Pathways

Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation play critical roles in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC) and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). A previous study has demonstrated that dimethyl fumarate (DMF) protects mice from dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis via its potential antioxidant capacity, and by inhibiting the activation of the NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. This study aims to clarify the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/antioxidant responsive element (Nrf2/ARE) pathway pharmacological activation and anti-inflammatory effect by DMF, through focusing on other crucial antioxidant enzymes and inflammatory mediator, including glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), in a DSS-induced colitis mouse model. The oral administration of DMF attenuated the shortening of colons and alleviated colonic inflammation. Furthermore, the expression of key antioxidant enzymes, including GCLC and GPX, in the colonic tissue were significantly increased by DMF administration. In addition, protein expression of the inflammatory mediator, COX-2, was reduced by DMF administration. Our results suggest that DMF alleviates DSS-induced colonic inflammatory damage, likely via up-regulating GCLC and GPX and down-regulating COX-2 protein expression in colonic tissue.

Supercritical Fluid Extract of Angelica sinensis and Zingiber officinale Roscoe Ameliorates TNBS-Induced Colitis in Rats

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a worldwide healthcare problem calling for the development of new therapeutic drugs. Angelica sinensis and Zingiber officinale Roscoe are two common dietetic Chinese herbs, which are traditionally used for complementary treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. As bioactive constituents, volatile and pungent substances of these two herbs could be effectively extracted together by supercritical fluid extraction. In this study, the supercritical fluid extract of Angelica sinensis and Zingiber officinale Roscoe (AZ-SFE) was obtained by an optimized extraction process and it was chemically characterized. The anti-inflammatory effect and underlying mechanism of AZ-SFE were evaluated in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cell model and a 2, 4, 6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis rat model. AZ-SFE notably inhibited the production of NO in LPS-stimulated macrophages, and it inhibited the proliferation of Concanavalin A (Con A)-induced splenocytes with suppression of the Th1 immune response. In vivo, the study demonstrated that AZ-SFE significantly alleviated disease activity, colonic shortening, macroscopic damage and histological injury of TNBS-treated rats with reduction of oxidative stress, suppression of inflammatory cytokines, and modulation of hepcidin and serum iron. These findings suggested that AZ-SFE may be a promising supplement for current IBD therapy.

Modulatory Effect of Polyphenolic Compounds from the Mangrove Tree Rhizophora mangle L. on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Insulin Resistance in High-Fat Diet Obese Mice

No scientific report proves the action of the phytochemicals from the mangrove tree Rhizophora mangle in the treatment of diabetes. The aim of this work is to evaluate the effects of the acetonic extract of R. mangle barks (AERM) on type 2 diabetes. The main chemical constituents of the extract were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and flow injection analysis electrospray-iontrap mass spectrometry (FIA-ESI-IT-MS/MS). High-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice were used as model of type 2 diabetes associated with obesity. After 4 weeks of AERM 5 or 50 mg/kg/day orally, glucose homeostasis was evaluated by insulin tolerance test (kiTT). Hepatic steatosis, triglycerides and gene expression were also evaluated. AERM consists of catechin, quercetin and chlorogenic acids derivatives. These metabolites have nutritional importance, obese mice treated with AERM (50 mg/kg) presented improvements in insulin resistance resulting in hepatic steatosis reductions associated with a strong inhibition of hepatic mRNA levels of CD36. The beneficial effects of AERM in an obesity model could be associated with its inhibitory α-amylase activity detected in vitro. Rhizophora mangle partially reverses insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis associated with obesity, supporting previous claims in traditional knowledge.

Intake of Protein Hydrolysates and Phenolic Fractions Isolated from Flaxseed Ameliorates TNBS-Induced Colitis

SCOPE

In the attempt to develop new therapeutic treatments for colitis, fractions containing phenolic compound isolate (Phi) and phenolic reduced-flaxseed protein hydrolysate (phr-FPH) from flaxseed are evaluated for their effects on the in vitro production of pro-inflammatory mediators and on the course of experimental colitis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The anti-inflammatory effects of Phi and phr-FPH from flaxseeds are studied in RAW264.7 cells and in trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS) colitis model. It is observed that the incubation with Phi or phr-FPH result in lower levels of tumor necrosis factor α and nitric oxide in macrophages stimulated with bacterial lipopolysaccharide + interferon-γ. Prophylactic and therapeutic treatments with Phi and phr-FPH, respectively, greatly contribute to the prevention of weight loss and colon inflammation in colitic BALB/c mice. T cell proliferation, expansion of TH1 and TH17 cells, and pro-inflammatory cytokines are lower, whereas Treg cells are higher in spleen cell cultures from Phi-treated mice. In addition, therapeutic phr-FPH treatment is able to reduce the expansion of TH17 in splenic cell cultures.

CONCLUSION

The consumption of phenolic and protein compounds extracted from flaxseeds has a protective effect on TNBS-induced colitis, and may be useful in the control of other inflammatory disorders.

Tou Nong San Attenuates Inflammation in TNBS-IBD Model by Inhibiting NF-κB Signaling Pathway

The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which predominantly comprises Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is increasing worldwide. However, the treatment of IBD still faces great challenges. The involved NF-κB is the main signaling pathway in human IBD and thus is a prime target. There is abundant evidence that Tou Nong San (TNS), which is a traditional Chinese medicinal decoction used for treating sores and carbuncles, has a positive effect on the inflammation. This study investigated the effects of oral administration of TNS on colitis induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) and the underlying mechanism(s). Quality control of the major compounds in TNS was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography, and six chemical constituents were identified in aqueous extracts. TNS led to improvements in weight loss and water and food intake in rats. The macroscopic and microscopic scores of rat tissues greatly decreased. Protein and mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-17 (IL-17), tumour necrosis factor-α, IL-1β, and IL6, involved in the NF-κB signaling pathway were greatly reduced. The results suggest that the anti-inflammatory effect of TNS is associated with the regulation of the NF-κB signaling pathway, which contributes to the network pharmacological effect of TNS on human IBD in clinical practice.

Characterization of brusatol self-microemulsifying drug delivery system and its therapeutic effect against dextran sodium sulfate-induced ulcerative colitis in mice

Brusatol (BR) is one of the main bioactive components derived from Brucea javanica, a medicinal herb historically used in the treatment of dysenteric disorders (also known as ulcerative colitis(UC)). Due to its poor aqueous solubility, a novel brusatol self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (BR-SMEDDS) nanoformulation with smaller size, higher negative zeta potential and drug content, and excellent stability was developed. The appearance of BR-SMEDDS remained clear and transparent, and transmission electron microscopy showed microemulsion droplets to be spherical with homogeneous distribution. Pharmacokinetic parameters indicated that oral bioavailability was greatly improved by BR-SMEDDS as compared with aqueous suspension. Meanwhile, the anti-colitis activity of BR-SMEDDS was evaluated on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis mice model. The result illustrated that the nano-formation significantly reduced the body weight loss, recovered colon length, decreased disease activity index and microscopic score, regulated immune-inflammatory cytokines, diminished oxidative stress and repressed the colonic expression of myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor kappa B p65 (NF-κB p65) proteins. Our findings demonstrated for the first time that BR could effectively attenuate colonic inflammation in mice, at least partially, via favorable regulation of anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory status and inhibition of the TLR4-linked NF-κB signaling pathway. The BR nano-formulation was superior to BR suspension and sulphasalazine, in treating experimental UC, and exhibited similar effect with azathioprine, with much smaller dosage. The enhanced anti-UC effect of BR might be intimately associated with the improved pharmacokinetic property by SMEDDS. The developed nano-delivery system might thus be a promising candidate for colitis treatment.

Ferulic acid ameliorates TNBS-induced ulcerative colitis through modulation of cytokines, oxidative stress, iNOs, COX-2, and apoptosis in laboratory rats

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic immune-inflammatory disorder characterized by oxido-nitrosative stress, the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and apoptosis. Ferulic acid (FA), a phenolic compound is considered to possess potent antioxidant, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory activities. The aim is to evaluate possible mechanism of action of FA against trinitrobenzensulfonic acid (TNBS) induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in rats. UC was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats (150-200 g) by intrarectal administration of TNBS (100 mg/kg). FA was administered (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg, p.o.) for 14 days after colitis was induced. Various biochemical, molecular and histological changes were assessed in the colon. Intrarectal administration of TNBS caused significant induction of ulcer in the colon with an elevation of oxido-nitrosative stress, myeloperoxidase and hydroxyproline activity in the colon. Administration of FA (20 and 40 mg/kg) significantly decrease oxido-nitrosative stress, myeloperoxidase, and hydroxyproline activities. Up-regulated mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, COX-2, and iNOs, as well as down-regulated IL-10 mRNA expressions after TNBS administration, were significantly inhibited by FA (20 and 40 mg/kg) treatment. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that intrarectal administration of TNBS-induced significantly enhanced the colonic apoptosis whereas administration of FA (20 and 40 mg/kg) significantly restored the elevated apoptosis. FA administration also significantly restored the histopathological aberration induced by TNBS. The findings of the present study demonstrated that FA ameliorates TNBS-induced colitis via inhibition of oxido-nitrosative stress, apoptosis, proinflammatory cytokines production, and down- regulation of COX-2 synthesis.Graphical Abstract: TNBS caused activation of T cells which interact with CD40 on antigen presenting cells i.e. dendritic cells (DC) that induce the key Interleukin 12 (IL-12)-mediated Th1 T cell immune inflammatory response. It releases interferon-γ (IFN-γ), which in turn induces macrophages (MAC) to produce TNF-α and other pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-1β, IL-6). This inflammatory influx resulted in induction of ulcerative colitis (UC). Administration of FA may inhibit this IFN-γ induced inflammatory cascade via a decrease in the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines to ameliorate TNBS-induced colitis.

Intravenous administration of mesenchymal stem cells overexpressing CXCR4 protects against experimental colitis in rats

AIM: To investigate the role of SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis in the therapeutic effects of lentivirus-preconditioned bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) for 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)- induced colitis in rats.

METHODS: BMSCs were isolated from Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats and identified by flow cytometry. Lentivirus transfection was applied to over-express CXCR4/GFP (Ad-CXCR4-BMSCs) or null/GFP (Ad-GFP-BMSCs) in BMSCs. Thirty-two SD rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 8): a control group, a model group, an Ad-GFP-BMSCs group and an Ad-CXCR4-BMSCs group. The rats were grouped to receive various treatments by tail vein injections. On day 1, colitis was induced by the TNBS administration. On day 12, animals were anesthetized and submitted to a laparotomy under sterile conditions. The distal colon was then opened longitudinally, slightly cleaned in physiological saline for faecal residue removal, and tissue samples were harvested and analyzed for various studies.

RESULTS: One week after intravenous administration, Ad-GFP-BMSCs failed to colonize in the inflamed colon and had no beneficial effect in TNBS-induced colitis. Instead, Ad-CXCR4-BMSCs signally ameliorated both clinical and microanatomical severity of colitis. Immunofluorescence and Western blot showed that Ad-CXCR4-BMSCs migrated toward inflamed colon was more efficient than Ad-GFP-BMSCs. The therapeutic effect of Ad-CXCR4-BMSCs was mediated by the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and STAT3 phosphorylation in injured colon.

CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that over-expression of CXCR4 promotes the in vivo mobilization and engraftment of BMSCs into inflamed colon where these cells can function as an anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory component of the immune system in TNBS-induced colitis.

Cape Gooseberry [Physalis peruviana L.] Calyces Ameliorate TNBS Acid-induced Colitis in Rats

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Physalis peruviana [cape gooseberry] is highly appreciated for its commercial value. The Colombian ecotype is in great demand in the international market, particularly for the unique morphological characteristics of the calyx, which has extended use as a traditional herbal remedy in Colombia because of its anti-inflammatory properties. In this work, the anti-inflammatory activity of the total ethereal extract of Physalis peruviana calyces was evaluated in preventive and therapeutic protocols in a TNBS acid-induced colitis rat model.

METHODS

Colitis was induced by intrarectal administration of TNBS. An evaluation of macroscopic and histopathological parameters in colonic tissue was performed, along with the determination of myeloperoxidase enzyme activity, cytokine levels and gene expression. Additionally, effects on nitric oxide release by lipopolysaccharide [LPS]-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages and the scavenging activity of DPPH and ABTS free radicals were determined.

RESULTS

The treatment with the Physalis peruviana extract produced a significant improvement in the colonic tissue at both macroscopic and histological levels. IL-1β and TNF-α production was reduced by the extract in both experimental approaches. The groups treated with Physalis peruviana showed a tendency to MUC2 up-regulation and down-regulation of COX-2, iNOS, NLRP3, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-10 expression. Nitric oxide release in RAW264.7 macrophages was significantly inhibited.

CONCLUSIONS

The Physalis peruviana extract showed intestinal anti-inflammatory activity in the TNBS-induced colitis model, placing this species' calyx, a natural derivative, as a promising source of metabolites that could be used in treatment for inflammatory bowel disease.

Royal Jelly and its dual role in TNBS colitis in mice

Royal Jelly (RJ) is widely consumed in diets throughout the world due to its beneficial effects: antioxidant, antitumor and anti-inflammatory. We have investigated the role of RJ in the development of TNBS colitis in mice. Colitis was induced by a rectal instillation of TNBS at 0.1 mL per mouse. Intestine samples of the animals orally treated with RJ (100, 150, and 200 mg/kg) were collected for antioxidant assays (GSH and GSH-Px), proinflammatory protein quantification (COX-2 and NF-κB), and histological analyses. RJ 100 mg/kg maintained GSH levels and increased the activity of GSH-Px, downregulated key inflammatory mediators (COX-2 and NF-κB), and decreased the lesions caused by TNBS as shown by the histological analyses. In conclusion, RJ showed anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in experimental colitis, resulting in the amelioration of the macroscopic and histological analyses. These results corroborate with the RJ supplementation in diets.

Antidiarrheal and intestinal antiinflammatory activities of a methanolic extract of Qualea parviflora Mart. in experimental models

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

An ethnopharmacological survey indicated that the bark from Qualea parviflora Mart. (Vochysiaceae) could be used to treat gastrointestinal disorders, such as diarrhea and intestinal inflammation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a methanolic extract from the bark of Qualea parviflora (QP) in an experimental model of diarrhea and intestinal inflammation induced in rodents.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The antidiarrheal and antispasmodic effects of QP were investigated by measuring intestinal motility, diarrhea, and intestinal fluid accumulation in rodents after challenging with a cathartic agent. In addition, the effects of QP on the contractility of the isolated mice-ileum preparation were determined. Acute intestinal inflammation was induced in male Wistar rats by the rectal administration of trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) in 50% ethanol (0.25 mL). QP was administered orally (for 5 days) prior to the induction of inflammation. The colonic injury and extent of inflammation were assessed by macroscopic damage scores and lesion length. The enhanced colonic mucosal injury, inflammatory response, and oxidative stress were evaluated by myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity; the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL1-β), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels; and the glutathione (GSH) content.

RESULTS

Oral treatment with QP (500 mg/kg) delayed the onset of diarrhea, reduced the amount of liquid stool, and decreased the severity of the diarrhea and the evacuation index in rodents challenged with castor oil (p<0.01). Additionally, QP (150-500 µg/mL) demonstrated effective antispasmodic activity against carbachol-induced contractions of mouse ileum in vitro. Oral treatment (25 and 50 mg/kg/day) with QP significantly reduced the intestinal inflammation induced by TNBS in rats (52% and 45%, respectively). Improvement of colonic mucosal injury by treatment with QP was demonstrated by a decrease in MDA levels and an increase in GSH content in colonic tissue. QP also prevented intestinal inflammation as evidenced by reduced cytokine levels (TNF-α and IL1-β) and low MPO activity.

CONCLUSIONS

The ethnopharmacological usefulness of the bark from Qualea parviflora against diarrhea containing blood and mucus was supported by the observed antidiarrheal, antispasmodic, and intestinal antiinflammatory properties of this medicinal plant.

Inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and cyclooxigenase-2 by Isatin: a molecular mechanism of protection against TNBS-induced colitis in rats

Isatin, an indole alkaloid has been shown to have anti-microbial, anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory effects. Due to its findings, we evaluated whether this alkaloid would have any effect on TNBS-induced colitis. Animals (male Unib:WH rats, aged 8 weeks old) were induced colitis through a rectal administration of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid using a catheter inserted 8 cm into the rectum of the animals. The rats were divided into two major groups: non-colitic and colitic. The colitic group was sub-divided into 6 groups (10 animals per group): colitic non-treated, Isatin 3; 6; 12.5; 18.75 and 25 mg/kg. Our main results showed that the oral treatment with Isatin 6 and 25 mg/kg were capable of avoiding the increase in TNF-α, COX-2 and PGE₂ levels when compared to the colitic non-treated group. Interestingly, the same doses (6 and 25 mg/kg) were also capable of preventing the decrease in IL-10 levels comparing with the colitic non-treated group. The levels of MPO, (an indirect indicator of neutrophil presence), were also maintained lower than those of the colitic non-treated group. Isatin also prevented the decrease of SOD activity and increase of GSH-Px and GSH-Rd activity as well as the depletion of GSH levels. In conclusion, both pre-treatments (6 and 25 mg/kg) were capable of protecting the gut mucosa against the injury caused by TNBS, through the combination of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which, together, showed a protective activity of the indole alkaloid Isatin.

Over-expression of CXCR4 on mesenchymal stem cells protect against experimental colitis via immunomodulatory functions in impaired tissue

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are attractive candidates for tissue regeneration and immunoregulation in inflammatory bowel disease. However, their in vivo reparative capability is limited owing to barren efficiency of BMSCs to injury region. Stromal cell-derived factor (SDF-1) plays an important role in chemotaxis and stem cell homing through interaction with its specific receptor CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4). The present study was designed to investigate the role of SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis in the therapeutic effects of lentivirus-preconditioned BMSCs for 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-colitis rats. BMSCs were isolated from female Sprague-Dawley rats and identified by flow cytometry. Lentiviral transduction was applied to over-express CXCR4/GFP (Ad-CXCR4-BMSCs) or null/GFP (Ad-GFP-BMSCs). Efficacy of engraftment was determined by the presence of enhanced green fluorescent protein (GFP) positive cells. One week after intravenous administration, Ad-GFP-BMSCs failed to colonize in the inflamed colon and had no beneficial effect in TNBS-induced colitis. Instead, Ad-CXCR4-BMSCs signally ameliorated both clinical and microanatomical severity of colitis. Immunofluorescence and western blotting showed that Ad-CXCR4-BMSCs migrated toward inflamed colon was more efficient than Ad-GFP-BMSCs. The therapeutic effect of Ad-CXCR4-BMSCs was mediated by the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and STAT3 phosphorylation in injured colon. Collectively, our data indicated that over-expression CXCR4 led to enhance in vivo mobilization and engraftment of BMSCs into inflamed colon where these cells can function as an anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory component of the immune system in TNBS-induced colitis.