Anthocyanin-Rich Diet in Chemically Induced Colitis in Mice

The aetiology of inflammatory bowel diseases is unclear, but oxidative stress plays a key role in the pathogenesis. Anthocyanins--plant polyphenols--were shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential protective effects of anthocyanins on the oxidative status in mice with chemically induced colitis. Adult male mice were randomly divided into a control group drinking tap water and a colitis group drinking 1% dextran sulphate sodium solution. Animals had ad libitum access to a control wheat-based diet or food based on wheat producing anthocyanins. Bodyweight and stool consistency were monitored daily for 14 days. At the end of the experiment, colon length was measured and tissue samples were collected for the assessment of histology and oxidative status. Mice with colitis had lower body weight, higher stool score and shorter colon than control mice. Anthocyanins had neither an effect on stool consistency, nor on bodyweight loss and colon length. In the colon, liver and plasma, analysis of oxidative stress markers and antioxidant status revealed no significant differences between the groups. Food made from wheat producing anthocyanins did not protect mice from the consequences of chemically induced colitis. The measured biomarkers do not confirm the role of oxidative stress in this model of colitis. Further optimization of the anthocyanin-rich food might be needed before further experiments are conducted.