SYNERGISTIC AMELIORATIVE EFFECT OF Lactobacillus AND Spirulina platensis AGAINST EXPERMINTAL COLITIS IN ALBINORATS: ANTIOXIDANT, HISTOPATHOLOGICAL AND MOLECULAR STUDIES

Abstract

Ulcerative colitis (UC) considers one of inflammatory disorders which affect colon mucosa cause a substantial burden on human day life. In the past, treatment of UC depended on aminosalicylates and antibiotics but due to their adverse side effects and incomplete effectiveness, antioxidant anti-inflammatory agents are used nowadays to ameliorate UC. The aim of this work is to evaluate the modulatory effect of Lactobacillus and/or Spirulina oral administration in acetic acid induced colitisin albino rats. Rats were divided randomly into (6) groups. 1stgroup (negative control), 2nd group (acetic acid), 3rdgroup (Mesalazine) at dose 20mg/kg orally was used as positive drug control. 4th group (Lactobacillus) at dose1×109 CFU/rat daily. 5th group (Spirulina) at dose500mg/kg daily. 6thgroup (Lactobacillus at dose 1×109 CFU/rat + Spirulina at dose 500mg/kg). Results revealed that the experimental colitis group showed significant increase in DAI, macroscopic damage, colon weight, colonic MDA, NO, molecular expressions (iNOS and COX-2) and significant decrease in colon length, GSH level and CAT activity. Lactobacillus and/or Spirulina supplementation revealed significant improvement in macroscopic and microscopic finding, increase antioxidant biomarkers, significant inhibitions of MDA and nitric oxide. Furthermore, significant decline in COX-2 and iNOS expressions were reported. In conclusion, the protective effects of Lactobacillus and/or Spirulina in UC are due to their ability to reduce iNOS and COX-2 expressions, increase antioxidant biomarkers and significant inhibition of lipid peroxidations. Furthermore, Lactobacillus and Spirulina have synergistic protective effect on colon tissue and could be used in combination to ameliorate UC.Key words: colitis; acetic acid; Lactobacillus; Spirulina platensis; Mesalazine; antioxidant, anti-inflammatory