Ursolic acid protects against ulcerative colitis via anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in mice

Liu,Baohai; Piao,Xuehua; Guo,Lianyi; Liu,Shanshan; Chai,Fang; Gao,Leming

doi:10.3892/mmr.2016.5094

Ursolic acid protects against ulcerative colitis via anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in mice

Authors:
- Baohai Liu
- Xuehua Piao
- Lianyi Guo
- Shanshan Liu
- Fang Chai
- Leming Gao
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Affiliations: Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Liaoning Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning 121001, P.R. China, Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Liaoning Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning 121001, P.R. China, Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital, Liaoning Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning 121001, P.R. China, Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Liaoning Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning 121001, P.R. China, The 2nd Clinic, Stomatology Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100101, P.R. China
Published online on: April 7, 2016 https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2016.5094
Pages: 4779-4785

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Abstract

Ursolic acid (UA) has been reported to have a protective effect in colitis. However, the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. In the present study, experimental ulcerative colitis was induced in male BALB/c mice by the administration of 5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) for 7 days, followed by treatment with UA for another 7 days. Hematoxylin & eosin staining was performed to evaluate colon tissue damage, and enzyme assays were used to measure malondialdehyde (MDA) content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in colon homogenate. In addition, serum levels of interleukin (IL)‑1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‑α were measured using an ELISA, and the level of nuclear factor (NF)‑κB p65 in the colonic tissues was assessed by western blotting. The 7‑day DSS administration induced marked colon damage, increased the serum levels of IL‑1β and TNF‑α, increased MDA content and decreased SOD activity in the colon homogenate. These changes were significantly improved by treatment with UA. UA also reduced the DSS‑stimulated high nuclear level of NF‑κB p65 in the colon tissues. These results demonstrate a protective role of UA in ulcerative colitis, and suggest that anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities are involved in the underlying mechanisms.

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