Frondanol, a Nutraceutical Extract from Cucumaria frondosa, Attenuates Colonic Inflammation in a DSS-Induced Colitis Model in Mice

Abstract

Frondanol is a nutraceutical lipid extract of the intestine of the edible Atlantic sea cucumber, Cucumaria frondosa, with potent anti-inflammatory effects. In the current study, we investigated Frondanol as a putative anti-inflammatory compound in an experimental model of colonic inflammation. C57BL/6J male black mice (C57BL/6J) were given 3% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in drinking water for 7 days to induce colitis. The colitis group received oral Frondanol (100 mg/kg body weight/per day by gavage) and were compared with a control group and the DSS group. Disease activity index (DAI) and colon histology were scored for macroscopic and microscopic changes. Colonic tissue length, myeloperoxidase (MPO) concentration, neutrophil and macrophage marker mRNA, pro-inflammatory cytokine proteins, and their respective mRNAs were measured using ELISA and real-time RT-PCR. The tissue content of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) was also measured using ELISA. Frondanol significantly decreased the DAI and reduced the inflammation-associated changes in colon length as well as macroscopic and microscopic architecture of the colon. Changes in tissue MPO concentrations, neutrophil and macrophage mRNA expression (F4/80 and MIP-2), and pro-inflammatory cytokine content (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) both at the protein and mRNA level were significantly reduced by Frondanol. The increase in content of the pro-inflammatory mediator leukotriene B4 (LTB4) induced by DSS was also significantly inhibited by Frondanol. It was thus found that Frondanol supplementation attenuates colon inflammation through its potent anti-inflammatory activity.

Nerolidol Mitigates Colonic Inflammation: An Experimental Study Using both In Vivo and In Vitro Models

“…Infiltration of neutrophils into colonic tissue causes mucosal damage by releasing reactive oxygen species (ROS), which eventually results in the induction of proinflammatory cytokine release, especially TNF-α [ 4 , 28 ]. TNF-α is a primary mediator of the inflammatory response and is closely linked to colonic inflammation of UC [ 29 ]. Excessive cytokine production due to immune response is implicated in the intestinal inflammation and the extraintestinal manifestations in IBD [ 39 ].…”

“…Mice were weighed daily, and the occurrence of diarrhea and bleeding was recorded. Scores were constructed based on parameters highlighted in Table 1 [ 29 ]. The scores for weight loss, diarrhea, and bleeding were used to compile the disease activity index (DAI).…”

Immune Protection of a Helminth Protein in the DSS-Induced Colitis Model in Mice

“…Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by mucosal damage and ulceration that encompasses Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) ( 1 ). The increasing prevalence of IBD will likely diminish quality of life and increase the risk of colorectal cancer ( 2 , 3 ). IBD inflammation results from a complex innate and adaptive cytokine network ( 1 ).…”

Thymoquinone, a Dietary Bioactive Compound, Exerts Anti-Inflammatory Effects in Colitis by Stimulating Expression of the Colonic Epithelial PPAR-γ Transcription Factor

“…Mice were weighed daily and observed for the presence of loose stools, diarrhea, and bleeding. The DAI scores obtained were based on parameters as published in our previous study [ 23 ]. In short, the DAI scores comprise the scores obtained from weight loss, diarrhea, and bleeding recorded daily as indicated in Table 1 .…”

“…The samples were blinded for histopathological evaluation. The degree of colonic inflammation was scored using the method adapted from a previously published study [ 23 ].…”