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VSL#3 probiotics exerts the anti-inflammatory activity via PI3k/Akt and NF-κB pathway in rat model of DSS-induced colitis

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Abstract

VSL#3 probiotics can be effective on induction and maintenance of the remission of clinical ulcerative colitis. However, the mechanisms are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of VSL#3 probiotics on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in rats. Acute colitis was induced by administration of DSS 3.5 % for 7 days in rats. Rats in two groups were treated with either 15 mg VSL#3 or placebo via gastric tube once daily after induction of colitis; rats in other two groups were treated with either the wortmannin (1 mg/kg) via intraperitoneal injection or the wortmannin + VSL#3 after induction of colitis. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. Expression of inflammatory related mediators (iNOS, COX-2, NF-κB, Akt, and p-Akt) and cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10) in colonic tissue were assessed. TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 serum levels were also measured. Our results demonstrated that VSL#3 and wortmannin have anti-inflammatory properties by the reduced disease activity index and MPO activity. In addition, administration of VSL#3 and wortmannin for 7 days resulted in a decrease of iNOS, COX-2, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, and p-Akt and an increase of IL-10 expression in colonic tissue. At the same time, administration of VSL#3 and wortmannin resulted in a decrease of TNF-α and IL-6 and an increase of IL-10 serum levels. VSL#3 probiotics therapy exerts the anti-inflammatory activity in rat model of DSS-induced colitis by inhibiting PI3K/Akt and NF-κB pathway.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Cadre Ward V, First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, China

    Cong Dai

  2. Department of Gastroenterology, Second Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, China

    Chang-Qing Zheng

  3. Department of Cardiology, Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, China

    Fan-ji Meng

  4. Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, China

    Zheng Zhou & Min Jiang

  5. Department of Cadre Ward II, First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, China

    Li-xuan Sang

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  1. Cong Dai
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Dai, C., Zheng, CQ., Meng, Fj. et al. VSL#3 probiotics exerts the anti-inflammatory activity via PI3k/Akt and NF-κB pathway in rat model of DSS-induced colitis. Mol Cell Biochem 374, 1–11 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11010-012-1488-3

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