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Updated: May 5, 2026
Murine Colitis Modeling using Dextran Sulfate Sodium DSS
Published on: January 19, 2010
Phototherapy with artificial light suppresses dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in a mouse model
Takahiro Hiratsuka1, Masafumi Inomata, Shigeru Goto
1Department of Gastroenterological and Pediatric Surgery, Oita University Faculty of Medicine, Oita, Japan.
Background And Aim:
Medical treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) requires chronic administration and causes side effects. Recently, anti-inflammatory effects of phototherapy were reported in animal models. The present study evaluated whether phototherapy improves dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in a mouse model of IBD.
Methods:
Mice were divided into four equal groups: Control, DSS, DSS + light low (LL), and DSS + light high (LH) groups. Normal fluorescent light intensity in the Control and DSS groups was 200 lux. Artificial light intensities were as follows: DSS + LL group, 1000 lux; DSS + LH group, 2500 lux. After administering phototherapy for 7 days, we evaluated disease activity index (DAI), histological score, colon length/weight, serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) level, and serum and colonic cytokines in the mice.
Results:
DAI and histological scores were significantly lower in the DSS + LL group than in the DSS group (both, P < 0.05). Colon length and weight were significantly higher in the DSS + LL group than in the DSS group (both, P < 0.05). Serum interleukin (IL)-6, TNF-α, and IL-17 in the DSS + LL group were significantly lower, and serum and colonic IL-10 were significantly higher in the DSS + LL group than in the DSS group (all, P < 0.05). Serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) levels in the DSS + LH group were significantly increased compared with those in the DSS + LL and DSS groups.
Conclusion:
Artificial light phototherapy suppressed DSS-induced colitis in mice by suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and promotion of anti-inflammatory cytokines.
