A Pilot Study for Establishing DSS-Induced Colitis Model in Minipigs

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Gastroenterology
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research

Background:

• Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with relapsing colonic inflammation.
• Existing rodent models have limited translational relevance due to species differences.
• A need exists for more applicable preclinical models for UC research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the feasibility of inducing reproducible colitis-like features in minipigs using graded dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) administration.
• To establish a large-animal model for ulcerative colitis (UC) research.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study utilized eight male Micropigs® divided into four groups.
• Three groups received varying doses of DSS (0.2, 0.4, 0.8 g/kg/day) for seven days.
• Clinical signs, body weight, colon length, endoscopic evaluation, and histopathology were assessed.

Main Results:

• DSS administration induced dose-dependent ulcerative colitis (UC) features.
• The highest DSS dose (0.8 g/kg/day) resulted in severe clinical manifestations and a 34% reduction in colon length.
• Endoscopy and histopathology confirmed dose-dependent mucosal edema, hemorrhage, inflammation, crypt loss, and ulceration.

Conclusions:

• The DSS-induced minipig colitis model effectively replicates key clinical, endoscopic, and histological aspects of human UC.
• This study provides proof-of-concept for minipigs as a translational platform for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) research.
• The model is suitable for future therapeutic evaluations in IBD.