Unveiling Colitis: A Journey through the Dextran Sodium Sulfate-induced Model

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Immunology
• Preclinical Research

Background:

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis (UC), requires robust animal models for pathogenesis research and therapeutic evaluation.
• The dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis model is widely utilized due to its reproducibility and ability to mimic human IBD features.
• This model is increasingly employed to explore the influence of gut microbiota, diet, and genetics on IBD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review factors contributing to DSS-induced colitis pathogenesis.
• To discuss critical considerations for the translational application of DSS-induced colitis research findings to human ulcerative colitis.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies utilizing the DSS-induced colitis model.
• Analysis of factors influencing colitis severity and pathogenesis in preclinical settings.
• Evaluation of the model's strengths and limitations in mimicking human IBD.

Main Results:

• The DSS model is highly reproducible, easy to manage, and reflects key aspects of human IBD.
• It facilitates investigation into microbiota, diet, and genetic influences on colitis.
• Despite its utility, the DSS model is not a perfect replica of human colitis, necessitating careful interpretation of results.

Conclusions:

• The DSS-induced colitis model is an indispensable preclinical tool for IBD research.
• Understanding the factors influencing this model and its translational limitations is crucial for advancing IBD therapeutics.
• Further research should focus on bridging the gap between animal model findings and human clinical outcomes in IBD.