Effect of salicin on gut inflammation and on selected groups of gut microbiota in dextran sodium sulfate induced mouse model of colitis.
OBJECTIVE
This study was undertaken to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of the pure compound salicin on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in a mouse model and to quantify the major gut bacteria during the treatment.


METHODS
Experimental colitis was induced in Swiss albino mice by dissolving 2 % DSS in their drinking water for 7 days. Five mice were used in each group.


METHODS
Salicin (100 and 200 mg per body weight) was administered daily through oral gavage for 7 days.


METHODS
Disease activity index (DAI), colon length, myeloperoxidase (MPO) assay, pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, histological changes and absolute number of gut microbiota were measured after treatment. Student's t test was applied for statistical analysis.


RESULTS
Salicin significantly attenuated DSS-induced DAI scores, shortening of colon length and tissue MPO activity. Salicin administration also effectively and dose-dependently prevented pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in DSS-induced colitis mice. Histological examination indicated that salicin suppressed edema, mucosal damage and the loss of crypts induced by DSS. Oral administration of salicin in DSS-treated mice prevented loss of gut microbiota during the short period of treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Salicin has an anti-inflammatory effect, and it may have therapeutic value in ameliorating inflammation during colitis.
School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.
Nirmal
N
Verma
Ravi
R
Verma
Reena
R
Kumari
Raju
R
Ranjha
Jaishree
J
Paul
D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001419:Bacteria / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification; D058491:Bacterial Load; D001592:Benzyl Alcohols / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003092:Colitis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology; D003106:Colon / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000235:genetics; D016264:Dextran Sulfate; D005243:Feces / Q000382:microbiology; D005960:Glucosides / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007422:Intestines / Q000382:microbiology; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D064307:Microbiota / Q000235:genetics; D009195:Peroxidase / Q000276:immunology; D012329:RNA, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D012336:RNA, Ribosomal, 16S / Q000235:genetics
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D001592:Benzyl Alcohols; D016207:Cytokines; D005960:Glucosides; D012329:RNA, Bacterial; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D012336:RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; C005696:salicin; D016264:Dextran Sulfate; D009195:Peroxidase