TITLE:
Trivalent Chromium Promotes Healing of Experimental Colitis in Mice by Suppression of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
AUTHORS:
Olugbenga Adeola Odukanmi, Adeola Temitope Salami, Koyo Koda, Oyenike Lola Morakinyo, Samuel Babafemi Olaleye
KEYWORDS:
Colitis, Oxidative Stress, Trivalent Chromium, Inflammation, Mice
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.5 No.8,
August
21,
2017
ABSTRACT: Ulcerative colitis (UC)
has reactive oxygen species (ROS) and immunologic pathways implicated in its
pathogenesis. The search for new therapeutic protocols in managing UC is
tailored in suppressing or preventing these pathways. The influence of
trivalent chromium (Cr3+), an essential mineral on experimental
colitis was investigated. Mice were grouped into 3; group 1 (control) received
clean drinking water while groups 2 and 3 received 10 and 100 ppm Cr3+ respectively for 12 weeks through drinking water. After Cr3+ administration, 5 animals per group were sacrificed on day 0. Thereafter,
experimental colitis was induced intra-rectally using acetic acid (4%, 0.3mL)
and 5 mice per group were subsequently sacrificed on days 3, 7 and 14. Blood
and colonic tissues were obtained and processed appropriately. Blood Cr3+ level, haematological variables, gross and microscopic colitis scores, colonic
myeloperoxidase (MPO), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA)
levels were determined using standard methods. Colon cytokine mRNA genes were
quantified using real-time PCR. There was a significant decrease in colon gross and histology scores on days 3 and 7
in chromium treated compared with control. The MPO and MDA in chromium groups
reduced significantly compared with control while SOD activities increased
significantly in Cr3+ groups compared with control. Total RNA
increased in chromium groups compared with control on day 3 post-colitis. There
was up-regulation of IL-10, down-regulation of TNF-α and IFN-λ in chromium
administered groups compared with control. Chromium enhanced healing of colitis
by suppression of ROS, inflammation and promotion of antioxidant activities.