The role of alpha-pinene on the NLRP3-Caspase 1 pathway in the ulcerative colitis model in rats

Alpha-pinene is a natural compound that has recently attracted the attention of researchers due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. This study aimed to investigate the impact of alpha-pinene on the NLRP3-Caspase 1 pathway activity in colon tissue in a colitis model. The colitis was induced by directly administering 4 % acetic acid (A.A) into the colon. Twenty-four hours after this treatment, the test compound alpha-pinene (at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg), sulfasalazine (50 mg/kg), or the vehicle (liquid paraffin) was given orally. Seven days after inducing colitis, the colonic segments were examined for disease score index, changes in the colon weight/length ratio, oxidative stress factors, and NLRP3-Caspase 1 pathway activity. Alpha-pinene improved the disease score index and the colon weight/length ratio. Alpha-pinene balanced oxidative stress factors in acetic acid-induced colitis by reducing MDA levels and increasing GSH, SOD, and CAT levels. Additionally, alpha-pinene decreased NLRP3 pathway activity by reducing MAPK P38 activity, leading to decreased expression of NF-KB, NLRP3, and Caspase 1, as well as decreased levels of IL-1B and IL-18. Our research suggests that alpha-pinene may be effective in treating colitis by reducing oxidative stress and decreasing the activity of the NLRP3 caspase-1 pathway.