Basic Research
Copyright ©2006 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Jun 28, 2006; 12(24): 3848-3853
Published online Jun 28, 2006. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v12.i24.3848
Curcumin-attenuated trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid induces chronic colitis by inhibiting expression of cyclooxygenase-2
Hua Jiang, Chang-Sheng Deng, Ming Zhang, Jian Xia
Hua Jiang, Chang-Sheng Deng, Ming Zhang, Jian Xia, Department of Gastroenterology Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, China
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.
Correspondence to: Chang-Sheng Deng, Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, China. hua.j@hotmail.com
Telephone: +86-27-62614843
Received: November 2, 2005
Revised: January 15, 2006
Accepted: January 19, 2006
Published online: June 28, 2006
Abstract

AIM: To explore the possible mechanisms of curcumin in rat colitis induced by trinitrobenzene sulfonic (TNBS) acid.

METHODS: Rats with TNBS acid-induced colitis were treated with curcumin (30 mg/kg or 60 mg/kg per day ip). Changes of body weight and histological scores as well as survival rate were evaluated. Leukocyte infiltration was detected by myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity assay. The expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) was detected by RT-PCR and Western blot. Inflammation cytokines were determined by RT-PCR. Local concentration of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in colon mucosa was determined by ELISA.

RESULTS: Curcumin improved survival rate and histological image, decreased the macroscopic scores and MPO activity. Also curcumin reduced the expression of COX-2 and inflammation cytokines. In addition, treatment with curcumin increased the PGE2 level.

CONCLUSION: Curcumin has therapeutic effects on TNBS acid-induced colitis, the mechanisms seem to be related to COX-2 inhibition and PGE2 improvement.

Keywords: Colitis; Curcumin; Cyclooxygenase-2; PGE2; TNBS acid