Minocycline synergizes with corticosteroids in reducing colitis severity in mice via the modulation of

Maitham A Khajah1, Sanaa Hawai1, Ahmad Barakat1

  • 1College of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait.

Frontiers in Pharmacology
|November 30, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Minocycline reduces colitis severity in mice by modulating inflammatory and apoptotic pathways. It also enhances corticosteroid effectiveness, potentially lowering required doses and treatment costs.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Pharmacology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Limited understanding of minocycline's molecular mechanisms in reducing colitis.
  • Previous studies suggest anti-inflammatory effects of minocycline in murine colitis models.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the anti-inflammatory properties and molecular mechanisms of minocycline in colitis.
  • To evaluate the synergistic effects of minocycline with corticosteroids.

Main Methods:

  • Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induced colitis model in mice.
  • Assessment of colitis severity at gross and microscopic levels.
  • Analysis of pro-inflammatory/anti-inflammatory molecules and apoptotic markers via Western blotting and PCR.

Main Results:

  • Minocycline significantly reduced colitis severity both prophylactically and therapeutically.
  • Minocycline demonstrated synergistic effects with budesonide and methylprednisolone.
  • Treatment modulated colonic expression of pro-inflammatory and apoptotic molecules, while increasing IL-10.

Conclusions:

  • Minocycline synergizes with corticosteroids to ameliorate colitis, potentially reducing side effects and costs.
  • The therapeutic effects are linked to modulation of inflammatory signaling, cytokine profiles, and apoptotic pathways.

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