Elevation of arachidonoylethanolamide levels by activation of the endocannabinoid system protects against colitis and ameliorates remote organ lesions in mice

  • Authors:
    • Xiaolin Zhao
    • Peng Liang
    • Jin Liu
    • Haixia Jiang
    • Xiaoshuai Fan
    • Guo Chen
    • Cheng Zhou
  • View Affiliations

  • Published online on: September 29, 2017     https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2017.5222
  • Pages: 5664-5670
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Abstract

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a potential pharmaceutical target for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). The aim of this study was to explore the effects of activation of the ECS on IBD and the associated neural inflammation‑induced disruption of the blood‑brain barrier (BBB). In a mouse model of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid‑induced colitis, the inhibition of fatty acid amide hydrolase with URB597 elevated the arachidonoylethanolamide concentration of the colon. Macroscopic alterations of the colons were evaluated, and the 7‑day survival rate of mice was analyzed. BBB integrity was assessed using a dye tracer method, and the cognitive function of mice was examined using a fear‑conditioning test. URB597 treatment significantly reduced macroscopic alterations of the colon, decreased the mortality rate, and protected the integrity of the BBB in the mice (P<0.05). No significant changes were observed in the cognitive functions of the mice (P>0.05); therefore, the neuroprotective effect of ECS in this colitis model requires further investigation. Activation of the ECS was efficient in ameliorating colitis and increasing the survival rate of the mice, and reducing remote organ changes induced by colitis. The results suggest that modulation of the ECS is a potential therapeutic approach for IBDs and the associated remote organ lesions.
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December-2017
Volume 14 Issue 6

Print ISSN: 1792-0981
Online ISSN:1792-1015

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Spandidos Publications style
Zhao X, Liang P, Liu J, Jiang H, Fan X, Chen G and Zhou C: Elevation of arachidonoylethanolamide levels by activation of the endocannabinoid system protects against colitis and ameliorates remote organ lesions in mice. Exp Ther Med 14: 5664-5670, 2017
APA
Zhao, X., Liang, P., Liu, J., Jiang, H., Fan, X., Chen, G., & Zhou, C. (2017). Elevation of arachidonoylethanolamide levels by activation of the endocannabinoid system protects against colitis and ameliorates remote organ lesions in mice. Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, 14, 5664-5670. https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2017.5222
MLA
Zhao, X., Liang, P., Liu, J., Jiang, H., Fan, X., Chen, G., Zhou, C."Elevation of arachidonoylethanolamide levels by activation of the endocannabinoid system protects against colitis and ameliorates remote organ lesions in mice". Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine 14.6 (2017): 5664-5670.
Chicago
Zhao, X., Liang, P., Liu, J., Jiang, H., Fan, X., Chen, G., Zhou, C."Elevation of arachidonoylethanolamide levels by activation of the endocannabinoid system protects against colitis and ameliorates remote organ lesions in mice". Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine 14, no. 6 (2017): 5664-5670. https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2017.5222