Effect of Aqueous Extract of Phenolic Compounds Obtained from Red Wine in Experimental Model of Colitis in Mice

Therapeutic potential of Capparis spinosa in experimental model of acute acetic acid-induced colitis: Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects

Introduction

This study examined the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Capparis spinosa L. (caper) in order to determine its medicinal potential in the treatment of acute colitis.

Method

Sixty male rats were divided into six groups. After the experimental period, distal colonic extension was collected for determination of colonic damage, oxidative stress markers, along with antioxidant markers. The impact of altered levels of inflammatory cytokines in colon tissues on the underlying mechanisms examined.

Results

The results showed that administering different doses of caper led to significant decreases in TNF-α and IL-6 levels when compared to the control colitis group (p < 0.001). Caper treatment effectively lowered elevated oxidative stress factors (MDA, NO, and MPO) compared to the control colitis group (p < 0.001). Caper treatment resulted in a significant increase in antioxidant factors (CAT, SOD, and GSH) compared with the control colitis group (p < 0.001).Significant improvements in tissue repair were observed in caper-treated groups compared to positives and control colitis (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The study highlights caper may be useful in the treatment of acute colitis due to its ameliorative effects on inflammation, oxidative stress, and tissue repair.

The Role of Anthocyanins in Alleviating Intestinal Diseases: A Mini Review

Anthocyanins are phytonutrients with physiological activity belonging to the flavonoid family whose transport and absorption in the human body follow specific pathways. In the upper gastrointestinal tract, anthocyanins are rarely absorbed intact by active transporters, with most reaching the colon, where bacteria convert them into metabolites. There is mounting evidence that anthocyanins can be used for prevention and treatment of intestinal diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and colorectal cancer (CRC), through the protective function on the intestinal epithelial barrier, immunomodulation, antioxidants, and gut microbiota metabolism. Dietary anthocyanins are summarized in this comprehensive review with respect to their classification and structure as well as their absorption and transport mechanisms within the gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, the review delves into the role and mechanism of anthocyanins in treating common intestinal diseases. These insights will deepen our understanding of the potential benefits of natural anthocyanins for intestinal disorders.

Chicoric acid enhances the antioxidative defense system and protects against inflammation and apoptosis associated with the colitis model induced by dextran sulfate sodium in rats

Although several anticolitic drugs are available, their application is associated with numerous side effects. Chicoric acid (CA) is a hydroxycinnamic acid found naturally in chicory (Cichorium intybus), purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), and basil with numerous health benefits, such as antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. Here, the potential anticolitic efficiency of CA against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in rats was examined in rats. Animals were randomly assigned to the following five groups: control, CA (100 mg/kg body weight), DSS [(DSS); 4% w/v], CA + DSS (100 mg/kg), and the 5-aminosalicylic acid (100 mg/kg) + DSS group. The obtained data revealed that CA significantly prevented the shortening of colon length. Meanwhile, the oxidative stress-related enzymes were increased, while malondialdehyde and nitric oxide, were markedly decreased significantly by CA. The results also indicated that CA administration decreased significantly the pro-apoptogenic indices (Bax and caspase-3) and enhanced significantly Bcl-2, the anti-apoptogenic protein. Moreover, DSS caused a significant elevation of pro-inflammatory mediators, including interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, myeloperoxidase, cyclooxygenase II, prostaglandin E2, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma. Interestingly, these changes were significantly decreased following the CA administration. At the molecular level, CA supplementation has increased significantly the expression level of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) and decreased the expressions of nitric oxide synthase and mitogen-activated protein kinase 14. CA has been determined to significantly lessen DSS-induced colitis by activating Nrf2 and its derived antioxidant molecules and suppressing inflammation and apoptosis cascades associated with the development of colitis; suggesting that CA could be used as an alternative naturally-derived anticolitic agent.

Side Streams of Vegetable Processing and Its Bioactive Compounds Support Microbiota, Intestine Milieu, and Immune System

The industry of vegetable processing generates large amounts of by-products, which often emerge seasonally and are susceptible to microbial degradation. Inadequate management of this biomass results in the loss of valuable compounds that are found in vegetable by-products that can be recovered. Considering the possibility of using waste, scientists are trying to reuse discarded biomass and residues to create a product of higher value than those processed. The by-products from the vegetable industry can provide an added source of fibre, essential oils, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and bioactive compounds, such as phenolics. Many of these compounds have bioactive properties, such as antioxidative, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activity, which could be used, especially in the prevention or treatment of lifestyle diseases connected with the intestinal milieu, including dysbiosis and immune-mediated diseases resulting in inflammation. This review summarises the key aspects of the health-promoting value of by-products and their bioactive compounds derived from fresh or processed biomass and extracts. In this paper, the relevance of side streams as a source of beneficial compounds with the potential for promoting health is considered, particularly their impact on the microbiota, immune system, and gut milieu because all of these fields interact closely to affect host nutrition, prevent chronic inflammation, and provide resistance to some pathogens.

Hemin Ameliorates the Inflammatory Activity in the Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Non-Clinical Study in Rodents

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract. Currently, there is no cure, and pharmacological treatment aims to induce and maintain remission in patients, so it is essential to investigate new possible treatments. Hemin is a heme-oxygenase inducer which can confer anti-inflammatory, cytoprotective, and antiapoptotic effects; therefore, it can be considered an asset for different gastrointestinal pathologies, namely for IBD.

AIM

This experiment aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of hemin, in a chronic 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis model in rodents.

METHODS

The induction of chronic colitis consisted of five weekly intrarectal administrations of 1% TNBS. Then, the mice were treated daily with 5 mg/kg/day or 10 mg/kg/day of hemin, through intraperitoneal injections, for 14 days.

RESULTS

Hemin demonstrated an anti-inflammatory effect through the reduction in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels, fecal calprotectin, and fecal hemoglobin. It was also found to be safe in terms of extraintestinal manifestations, since hemin did not promote renal and/or hepatic changes.

CONCLUSIONS

Hemin could become an interesting tool for new possible pharmacological approaches in the management of IBD.