Exploring the Role of Proanthocyanidins in Mitigating Ulcerative Colitis in Mice

Aim

To determine the role of Proanthocyanidins (Pros) in mitigating Ulcerative Colitis (UC) in mice.

Materials and Methods

A UC mouse model was constructed using dextran sulfate sodium induction in male adult Balb/c mice. Mice were randomly divided into Control, Model, Pro and Mesalazine groups. The pathological morphology of the colon was evaluated using the Disease Activity Index (DAI), colon appearance and length, IL-6, TNF-α and TGF-β levels and Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE) staining. Immunohistochemistry, western blotting and qRT-PCR were used to detect TLR4 and NF-ΚB p65 protein and mRNA levels.

Results

DAI scores were significantly increased, and colonic length and HE scores were significantly reduced in the Model group compared with the Control group (p<0.001 for all). IL-6, TGF-β and TNF-α levels increased significantly in the Model group compared with the Control group (p<0.001 for all). The number of apoptotic cells and TLR4 and NF-ΚB p65 protein and mRNA levels increased significantly in the Model group compared with the Control group (p<0.001 for all). UC improved significantly in the Pro-group compared with the Model group, including suppression of the TLR4/NF-ΚB p65 pathway.

Conclusion

Pro-treatment improved UC by depressing the TLR4/NF-ΚB p65 signalling pathway.