A Synergistic Approach with Doxycycline and Spirulina Extracts in DNBS-Induced Colitis: Enhancing Remission and...

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Pharmacology
• Natural Product Chemistry

Background:

• Chronic relapsing colitis is characterized by immune dysregulation and oxidative stress, often rendering monotherapies ineffective.
• Current therapeutic strategies struggle to adequately manage disease remission and control relapse in colitis patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the synergistic therapeutic potential of combining doxycycline (Dox) with Arthrospira platensis extracts for treating chronic relapsing colitis.
• To evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of this combination therapy in a preclinical model.

Main Methods:

• Ethanolic (ES) and aqueous (AS) extracts of Arthrospira platensis were chemically characterized using GC-MS.
• Colitis was induced in mice using DNBS, followed by daily oral administration of Dox, ES, AS, or their combinations.
• Disease progression was assessed via clinical, histological, and biochemical analyses, including MPO, CAT, NO, MDA, and GSH levels.

Main Results:

• GC-MS analysis revealed distinct chemical profiles for ES and AS extracts, with ES rich in fatty acids/amino acids and AS in polysaccharides/phytol.
• The combination of doxycycline and Arthrospira platensis extracts demonstrated significant synergistic effects in reducing disease activity index and restoring mucosal integrity.
• Combined therapy significantly modulated key inflammatory and oxidative stress markers compared to monotherapies (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• Doxycycline potentiates the anti-colitic effects of Arthrospira platensis extracts through complementary mechanisms.
• This combination therapy presents a promising strategy for managing relapsing colitis by enhancing therapeutic outcomes.
• Further research into this combination could lead to improved treatments for inflammatory bowel diseases.