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Murine Colitis Modeling using Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)
Published on: January 19, 2010
Dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis causes rapid bone loss in mice
Gilad Hamdani1, Yankel Gabet, Daniel Rachmilewitz
1Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel.
Bone
|August 5, 2008
Summary
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) causes osteopenia due to colonic inflammation. This study in mice shows inflammation suppresses bone formation and increases resorption, leading to bone loss. Colitis models can test treatments for IBD-related bone disease.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Orthopedics
- Immunology
Background:
- Osteopenia is a frequent complication in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
- The precise contribution of colonic inflammation to osteopenia and its underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood.
- This study investigates the link between colonic inflammation and osteopenia using a murine model.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of colonic inflammation on femoral bone mass and microarchitecture.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which colonic inflammation contributes to osteopenia, specifically bone formation and resorption.
- To establish the utility of a dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis model for studying bone loss in IBD.
Main Methods:
- Colitis was induced in mice using dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in drinking water.
- Femoral bone mass and architecture were assessed using micro computed tomography (muCT).
- Bone formation and resorption parameters were quantified by dynamic histomorphometry, alongside colonic inflammation markers like myeloperoxidase activity.
Main Results:
- DSS-induced colitis significantly reduced femoral bone mass, characterized by decreased trabecular bone volume, number, and connectivity density.
- Osteopenia was attributed to suppressed bone formation (reduced mineralizing surface and bone formation rate) and increased bone resorption (higher osteoclast number).
- Colonic inflammation severity, measured by myeloperoxidase activity, inversely correlated with bone mass, structure, and formation indices.
Conclusions:
- Dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis leads to reduced femoral bone mass and altered microarchitecture.
- The observed bone loss results from a combination of suppressed bone formation and increased bone resorption, directly linked to the degree of colonic inflammation.
- This murine model of colitis is suitable for investigating pharmacological interventions aimed at mitigating bone loss associated with IBD.
