Protective Effect of Daikenchuto on Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis in Mice

Abstract

<i>Aim</i>. To investigate the effect of daikenchuto (TJ-100; DKT) for ulcerative colitis (UC) model mouse and assess its anti-inflammatory mechanisms. <i>Methods</i>. We evaluated the effects of DKT on dextran sulfate sodium- (DSS-) induced experimental colitis. First, we assessed the short-term effects of DKT using two groups: 5% DSS group and 5% DSS with DKT group. Colon length; histological scores; and interleukin- (IL-) 10, IL-1<i>β</i>, and tumor necrosis factor-<i>α</i> mRNA expression profiles were analyzed using real-time PCR. Second, we assessed the long-term effects of DKT, by comparing survival time between 2% DSS and 2% DSS with DKT groups. <i>Results</i>. After 7 days, the colon lengths of DSS + DKT group were longer than those of the DSS group (mean values: 6.11 versus 5.69 cm, <i>p</i> < 0.05). Furthermore, compared to DSS group, the DSS + DKT group maintained significantly higher levels of serum hemoglobin (13.1 versus 10.7 g/dL, <i>p</i> < 0.05) and exhibited significantly higher expression levels of IL-10 (<i>p</i> < 0.05). The 2% DSS + DKT group exhibited significantly longer survival time than the 2% DSS group (70 versus 44 days, <i>p</i> < 0.01). <i>Conclusion</i>. Our results indicate that DKT prevented inflammation in the colon, indicating its potential as a new therapeutic agent for UC.