Document Type : Research articles
Authors
1 Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
2 Stem Cells Technology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
3 Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
4 Department of Biostatistics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Abstract
Background: Overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) causes increased lipid peroxidation, decreased intestinal epithe- lial barrier integrity, and ultimately mucosal disruption and ulceration. Several studies have confirmed the antioxidant, anti- inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties of Spirulina Platensis (SP), edible blue - green algae, in various inflammatory dis- eases. In addition, natural honey, a source of phenolic and flavonoid compounds, is a powerful antioxidant, which can help prevent chronic oxidative stress and subsequent inflammation.
Objectives: In this study, we examined and compared the protective effects of SP and honey on ulcerative colitis induced by acetic acid (AA) in rats. Methods: Forty male rats were allocated into five groups (N = 8) and received pretreatment for 32 consecutive days. The admin- istrations were as follows: group 1 (control) and group 2 (AA-colitis group): normal saline, group 3: 1 ml honey/day, group 4: 1 ml honey/day plus 1 g/kg SP, and group 5: 1 g/kg SP. Colitis was induced on the 30th day in groups 2 to 5. On day 32, the clinical ac- tivity score was determined and anesthetized animals were sacrificed. Serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reduced glutathione (GSH), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), myeloperoxidase (MPO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and colonic weight/length ratio were determined. In addition, histopathological changes of the colon were observed microscopically. Results: The inflammatory markers (PGE2, MDA, NO, IL-6, IL-1β, MPO, and TNF-α) were significantly lower in the pretreatment groups than in the AA-colitis group (P values < 0.05). PGE2 [median (IQR)] of the honey, SP + honey, and SP groups was [0.76 (0.33)], [0.75 (0.40)], and [0.87 (0.86)], respectively, compared to the AA-colitis group [2.60 (2.23)] (P values < 0.041). MDA values were [6.52 (3.57)],
[6.09 (3.59)], and [5.85 (4.92)] vs. [16.60 (12.03)] (P values < 0.046) and IL-1β values were [42.20 (8.2)], [41.76 (18.10)], and [42.93 (14.09)] vs. [79.54 (40.79)] (P values < 0.044). Also, SOD, GSH, GPx, and TAC [median (IQR)] were significantly higher in the pretreatment groups than in the AA- colitis group (P values < 0.05). For example, TAC values of the honey, SP + honey, and SP groups were [0.164 (0.08)], [0.14 (0.05)], and [0.16 (0.10)], respectively, vs. the AA-colitis group [0.08 (0.01)] (P values < 0.028). Conclusions: Honey and SP are favorable foods in preventing oxidative stress and inflammatory diseases such as ulcerative colitis.
Keywords
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