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Updated: Jan 24, 2026
Murine Colitis Modeling using Dextran Sulfate Sodium DSS
Published on: January 19, 2010
Anti-inflammatory effects of apocynin on dextran sulfate sodium-induced mouse colitis model
Young-Jae Hwang1, Seung-Joo Nam1, Wanjoo Chun2
1Department of Internal Medicine, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea.
Background And Aim:
Various drugs have been developed for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but still there are limitations in the treatment due to the insufficient responses and significant adverse effects of immunosuppressant. Apocynin is an NADPH-oxidase inhibitor with established safety profiles. We aimed to investigate the protective efficacy of apocynin in IBD using chemical-induced mouse colitis model.
Method:
We induced experimental colitis by administrating 5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) to 8-week old BALB/c mouse for 11 days. Apocynin (400 mg/kg) or sulfasalazine (150 mg/kg) were administeredduring7 days. We monitored bodyweight daily and harvested colon and spleen at day 11 to check weight and length. We also examined histopathologic change and pro-, anti-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes from harvested colons (iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, MCP-1, p-NrF2, and HO-1).
Result:
Apocynin significantly alleviated weight reduction induced by DSS treatment (21.64 ± 0.55 for Apocynin group vs. 20.33 ± 0.90 for DSS group, p = 0.005). Anti-inflammatory efficacy of apocynin was also shown by the recovery of colon weight and length. Histopathologic examination revealed significantly reduced inflammatory foci and erosions by apocynin treatment. Colonic expression of iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, and MCP-1 was decreased significantly in the apocynin treated group. Anti-inflammatory mediators Nrf2 and HO-1 were activated significantly in apocynin treated mouse.
Conclusion:
Apocynin showed significant anti-inflammatory efficacy against chemically induced colonic inflammation. This study also revealed the unique action of apocynin compared to the currently prescribed drug, sulfasalazine. Given its excellent safety profile and potent efficacy with novel action mechanism, apocynin can be a new therapeutic molecule for the IBD treatment, which can be added to the currently available drugs.
Insights
Apocynin demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory effects in a mouse model of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This NADPH-oxidase inhibitor shows promise as a novel therapeutic for IBD, offering a better safety profile than current treatments.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Current inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatments have limitations, including insufficient response and adverse effects from immunosuppressants.
- Apocynin, an NADPH-oxidase inhibitor, possesses a favorable safety profile.
- There is a need for novel therapeutic agents for IBD management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective efficacy of apocynin in a chemically-induced mouse model of colitis.
- To evaluate apocynin's anti-inflammatory mechanisms and compare its effects to sulfasalazine.
Main Methods:
- Experimental colitis was induced in BALB/c mice using 5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS).
- Mice were treated with apocynin (400 mg/kg) or sulfasalazine (150 mg/kg) for seven days.
- Colonic tissues were analyzed for histopathology, inflammatory markers (iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, MCP-1), and anti-inflammatory mediators (Nrf2, HO-1).
Main Results:
- Apocynin significantly alleviated DSS-induced weight loss and improved colon weight and length.
- Histopathological analysis showed reduced inflammation, foci, and erosions in apocynin-treated mice.
- Apocynin treatment decreased colonic expression of iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, and MCP-1, while activating Nrf2 and HO-1.
Conclusions:
- Apocynin exhibits significant anti-inflammatory efficacy in chemically induced colitis.
- Apocynin demonstrates a unique mechanism of action compared to sulfasalazine.
- With its safety profile and potent efficacy, apocynin represents a potential new therapeutic option for inflammatory bowel disease.
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