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Updated: May 14, 2026
Murine Colitis Modeling using Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)
Published on: January 19, 2010
[Study on effect of total coumarins from Urtica dentata on dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice]
Jing-Li Lu1, Wei-Jie Li, Wen-Rui Hou
1Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Wuhan 430030, China.
Objective:
To study the effect of total coumarins (TC) from Urtica dentata on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice.
Method:
The colitis model was established by administering DSS. Having been treated with TC, their body weight was determined. Concentrations of IL-6, IL-10, TGF-beta1 and IFN-gamma were monitored by ELISA. Colon samples were collected for the histopathological examination. Western blot was used to detect TLR4 and NF-kappaB protein expression in colonic tissues.
Result:
TCs from U. dentata effectively controlled the body weight loss of mice with colitis, down-regulated the concentration of IL-6 and IFN-gamma and increased the suppressive cytokines IL-10 and TGF-beta1 in the serum. Additionally, TC alleviated the mucosal damage and decreased the expressions of TLR4 and NF-kappaB in colonic tissues.
Conclusion:
TCs from U. dentata shows the anti-inflammatory effect on colitis in mice by reducing the expressions of TLR4 and NF-kappaB in colonic tissues and regulating pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokines.
