Curcumin-attenuated trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid induces chronic colitis by inhibiting expression of cyclooxygenase-2.

AIM:To explore the possible mechanisms of curcumin in rat colitis induced by trinitrobenzene sulfonic (TNBS) acid. METHODS:Rats with TNBS acid-induced colitis were treated with curcumin (30 mg/kg or 60 mg/kg per day ip). Changes of body weight and histological scores as well as survival rate were evaluated. Leukocyte infiltration was detected by myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity assay. The expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) was detected by RT-PCR and Western blot. Inflammation cytokines were determined by RT-PCR. Local concentration of prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) in colon mucosa was determined by ELISA. RESULTS:Curcumin improved survival rate and histological image, decreased the macroscopic scores and MPO activity. Also curcumin reduced the expression of COX-2 and inflammation cytokines. In addition, treatment with curcumin increased the PGE(2) level. CONCLUSION:Curcumin has therapeutic effects on TNBS acid-induced colitis, the mechanisms seem to be related to COX-2 inhibition and PGE(2) improvement.

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