Ulva pertusa, a Marine Green Alga, Attenuates DNBS-Induced Colitis Damage via NF-κB/Nrf2/SIRT1 Signaling Pathways

Abstract

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) including Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) represent gastrointestinal (GI) disorders associated with varied responses to microbial and environmental agents. Natural compounds have been suggested as a valid approach to the management of various GI diseases, particularly the green alga Ulva pertusa, belonging to the Ulvaceae family, which showed powerful biological properties. Here, we aimed to evaluate the effect and the mechanism of Ulva pertusa treatments in a murine model of DNBS-induced colitis. Colitis was induced by DNBS intrarectal installation (4 mg in 100 μL of 50% ethanol), while Ulva pertusa treatments (doses of 10, 50 and 100 mg/kg) were administered orally daily. Ulva pertusa, at the higher doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg, significantly reduced tissue damage DNBS-induced and the consequent inflammatory cascade via NF-κB inhibition. Furthermore, we demonstrated, for the first time, Ulva pertusa action on the SIRT1/Nrf2 axis, enhancing antioxidant response and the modulation of the apoptosis pathway colitis-induced, regulating the expression of p53, Bax, Bcl-2, and Caspases. Taken together, Ulva pertusa could be considered a valid approach for counteracting and blocking the progression of IBDs through modulation of the NF-κB/SIRT1/Nrf2 axis.

New Insights into the Mechanism of Ulva pertusa on Colitis in Mice: Modulation of the Pain and Immune System

“…Colitis was induced by one singular intrarectal administration with a low dose of DNBS (4 mg for each animal). This dose was established based on previous works, which showed how this dosage allows induction of colitis without being toxic [ 8 ]. The mice were anesthetized using Enflurane and immediately after 2,4,6-dinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (DNBS; 4 mg in 100 μL of 50% ethanol) was injected into the rectum through a catheter inserted 4.5 cm proximally to the anus, whereas Sham groups received a single intracolonic administration of saline.…”

“…We previously demonstrated the noteworthy pharmacological activities of an Ulva pertusa extract through the modulation of SIRT1/Nrf2/NF-κB signaling pathways in a murine model of colitis [ 8 ], which resulted in a favorable decrease in infiltrating immune cells such as mast cells and neutrophils in the intestinal environment. Those positive outcomes suggested a good immunomodulatory capacity of Ulva pertusa to protect the colon from UC-related immune dysregulation worthy of detailed investigation in future studies.…”

Effects of Medicinal Plants and Phytochemicals in Nrf2 Pathways during Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and Related Colorectal Cancer: A Comprehensive Review

“…Ardizzone et al [ 180 ] studied the effects of a marine green seaweed rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, Ulva pertusa , against Nrf2 deactivation in IBD. The treatment was carried out in the DNBS-induced CD1 mice model of colitis.…”

High-sulfated derivative of polysaccharide from Ulva pertusa improves Adriamycin-induced nephrotic syndrome by suppressing oxidative stress

“…It is rich in dietary fiber, polysac-charides, proteins, lipids, vitamins, and inorganic minerals. 18 U pertusa is widely used in human diet and is often added to feed and fertilizer. 17 U pertusa polysaccharide (U) is the main bioactive component and is composed of repeating disaccharide units containing sulfated rhamnose and uronic acids.…”