Fish/corn oils modulate inflammatory mediators in DSS-induced ulcerative colitis

Abstract

Excessive n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and inadequate n-3 PUFA have been associated with enhanced risks for developing ulcerative colitis (UC). In rodent models, n-3 PUFAs have been shown to either attenuate or exacerbate colitis in different studies. However, little information is available concerning the in vivo effects of these fatty acids on proinflammatory mediators. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of fish and corn oils mixture (FO/CO) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in rats. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by colonic myeloperoxidase (MPO) and serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities. Expression of inflammatory related mediators (iNOS, NF-κB and STAT-3) and cytokines (TNF-α and IL-10) in serum were assessed. Our results demonstrated that FO/CO mixture has anti-inflammatory properties by the reduced ALP and MPO activities. In addition, administration of FO/CO mixture for four weeks resulted in a decrease of inflammatory mediators; iNOS, NF-κB and STAT-3 accompanied with an increase of IL-10 level. Histopathological finding supported the obtained biochemical data. Therefore, administration of FO/CO mixture exerts the anti-inflammatory activity in rat model of DSSinduced colitis by inhibiting TNF-α, iNOS, STAT-3 and NF-κB pathway associated with enhancement of IL-10.