Curcumin Attenuates Dextran Sodium Sulfate Induced Colitis in Obese Mice

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Immunology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Curcumin exhibits anti-obesity, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory properties.
• The role of curcumin in ulcerative colitis (UC) associated with obesity is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the therapeutic effects of curcumin on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in obese mice.
• To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of curcumin's action in this model.

Main Methods:

• Obese mice were induced with colitis using DSS and treated with curcumin (100 mg/kg) for 14 days.
• Evaluated parameters included body weight, survival rate, disease activity index, colon length and weight, ulcer formation, and inflammatory cell infiltration.
• Assessed lipid metabolism, gut microbiota composition, mucosal integrity, oxidative stress, memory T cell homeostasis, inflammatory cytokines, and JAK2/STAT signaling pathway activation.

Main Results:

• Curcumin significantly alleviated DSS-induced colitis, improving body weight, survival rates, and colon health.
• Treatment enhanced lipid metabolism, modulated gut microbiota, improved mucosal integrity, and boosted anti-oxidative capacity.
• Curcumin normalized memory T cell populations, regulated inflammatory cytokines, and inhibited the JAK2/STAT pathway in colonic tissues.

Conclusions:

• Curcumin demonstrates comprehensive therapeutic effects against colitis in obese mice.
• The mechanisms involve improvements in metabolic, microbial, immunological, and molecular pathways.
• Curcumin represents a potential treatment for ulcerative colitis in obese individuals.