Effects of Nanocrystalline Silver (NPI 32101) in a Rat Model of Ulcerative Colitis

Abstract

Nanocrystalline silver (NPI 32101) has been demonstrated to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of NPI 32101 in a rat model of ulcerative colitis and the possible mechanisms of action of the effects observed. NPI 32101, 4 mg/kg intracolonically or 40 mg/kg orally, significantly reduced colonic inflammation compared to the placebo and no-treatment groups. Sulfasalazine (100 mg/kg), either intracolonically or orally, also reduced colonic inflammation. NPI 32101 significantly suppressed the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1beta, and IL-12, whereas sulfasalazine suppressed MMP-9, IL-1beta, and TNF-alpha, but not IL-12, compared to placebo. MMP-9 activity was reduced by NPI 32101 and sulfasalazine. NPI 32101 administered intracolonically or orally decreases ulcerative colitis in a rat model and is as effective as sulfasalazine. NPI 32101 treatment suppresses the expression and activity of MMP-9 and the expression of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-12, mechanisms by which NPI 32101 may exert its anti-inflammatory effects. NPI 32101 may have therapeutic potential for treatment of ulcerative colitis.

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles by endophytic fungi: Its mechanism, characterization techniques and antimicrobial potential

“…On the other hand mRNA levels of IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, remains higher in the silver nanoparticles treated cells ). Likewise findings of Nadworny et al (2008) and Bhol and Schechter (2007) clearly confirms that silver nanoparticles had direct anti-inflammatory effects and improved the healing process significantly when compared with controls.…”

Silver Nanoparticles Interactions with the Immune System: Implications for Health and Disease

“…Nanocrystalline silver (NP 32101) was administered intracolonically or orally and the study revealed that intracolonic treatment of NP 32101 at concentrations of 40 and 4 mg/kg significantly reduced colonic inflammation and that oral treatment with 40mg/kg also improved colonic lesions but was not effective at concentrations of 0.4 and 4 mg/kg. These results suggest that NP 32101 is much more effective when delivered locally to the target organ due to the increased potency with intracolonic treatment (Bhol & Schechter, 2007).…”

“…Other experiments need to be focused on the effect of silver NPs on the lymphocyte subset of the Th1/Th2 profile and see how silver NPs affect their particular cytokine production. Moreover, other studies have been developed in vivo with a rat model of ulcerative colitis treated with nanocrystalline silver (40, 4 and 0.4 mg/kg) which demonstrated to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties (Bhol & Schechter, 2007). Ulcerative colitis is a form of inflamatory bowel disease which is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract.…”

Silver Nanoparticles

“…The in vitro and in vivo studies revealed toxicity effects of silver nanoparticles on immune system, especially cytokine excretion. Application of 1% nano-silver cream (silver nanoparticles with size range of approximately 50 nm), inhibited DNB-induced allergic contact dermatitis, and accumulation in the spleen has also been reported (Bhol and Schechter 2007;Takenaka et al 2001). It has been suggested that silver nanoparticles are especially effective at inhibiting inflammations and may be used to treat immunologic and inflammatory diseases ).…”