Ischemic colitis of the colon in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Abstract

This study focuses on two inflammatory diseases, viz., "diabetes mellitus (DM)" that causes serious complications such as retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy, and "ischemic colitis" which is evoked by DM. Ischemic colitis originates from the reduction in mesenteric blood flow to the colon with existence of the occlusive or non-occlusive reasons. Our study objective was to provide early diagnostic approach for ischemic colitis in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: (i) control use of 0.1 M citrate buffer, the solvent of streptozotocin (C), (ii). induced ischemia (I), (iii) rats subjected to 60 mg/kg STZ intraperitoneally to induce type 1 diabetes (D) (48 h after STZ injection, blood glucose levels >200 mg/dl were considered as diabetic), and (iv) diabetic rats subjected to intestinal ischemia (D+I). The third diabetic group (D) was not operated. At the end of the experimental period, rats were sacrificed, C-reactive protein (CRP) and calprotectin levels were measured in the serum and colon tissue specimens. Tissue specimens were also analyzed histologically. We found that serum and colon calprotectin levels were elevated in the D+I group compared to the D and/or I group alone, but relatively calprotectin levels increased in I as compared to C group in colon tissues. CRP levels were significantly increased with ischemic colitis in diabetes, while colon CRP levels were decreased. These results provide evidence for the existence of inflammation in the STZ-induced diabetic rats with ischemic colitis. In conclusion, our measurements of serum calprotectin levels of STZ-induced diabetic rats with ischemic colitis provide a practical approach for an early diagnosis of ischemic colitis. Furthermore, these biochemical analyses correlate well with the histopathologic findings of STZ-induced diabetic rats with ischemic colitis. Future studies would be desirable to further strengthen the role of calprotectin in the early diagnosis of ischemic colitis in diabetics clinical settings.

Piperine, a functional food alkaloid, exhibits inhibitory potential against TNBS-induced colitis via the inhibition of IκB-α/NF-κB and induces tight junction protein (claudin-1, occludin, and ZO-1) signaling pathway in experimental mice

“…28 In this present investigation, we administered TNBS intrarectally in rats, which was able to exhibit significant similarities with human UC, manifesting cachexia, inflammatory influx, and ulceration. 29 Our study reveals that oral administration of piperine significantly ameliorated TNBS-induced UC by inhibiting several mechanisms such as elevation in oxidative stress (SOD, GSH, MDA, and NO), release of inflammatory mediator (COX-2) and proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-a, ILs, IFN-g, NF-kB, and p-IkBa) as well as apoptosis-related factors (caspase-1). This prevents the destruction of colonic TJ proteins (claudin-1, occluding, and ZO-1), restoring the integrity of the intestinal barrier.…”

“…Furthermore, DAI, macroscopic score, and stool consistency are indirect markers of UC. 29 Rats treated with piperine showed decreased ulcer area and ulcer index, showing piperine's healing potential. Results of the present investigation corroborate with the findings of previous researchers where administration of plant alkaloids such as piperine ameliorates chemical-induced ulcers.…”

S-100 Proteins: Basics and Applications as Biomarkers in Animals with Special Focus on Calgranulins (S100A8, A9, and A12)

“…In addition, in some endocrinopathies such as diabetes mellitus, a rat model showed that an increase in calprotectin in serum can indicate complications such as ischemic colitis [ 167 ].…”