Characterization of the action of free and nanoemulsified citral in the modulation of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis in C57BL/6J male mice

• Grant number: 24/08754-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): August 01, 2024
• Effective date (End): July 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Pharmacology - Ethnopharmacology
• Principal Investigator: Clélia Akiko Hiruma Lima
• Grantee: Isabela Galende Guidolin
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IBB). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Botucatu. Botucatu , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Since the advance of industrialization, there has been an increase in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) in worldwide. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) that affects the colon and rectum. During UC, changes occur in the intestinal barrier, impairing its homeostasis, causing irregular immune responses at the injured site, as well as increasing pro-inflammatory cytokines. Due to this inflammatory environment, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced, generating a state of oxidative stress, with lipid and protein modifications, that affects matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) activity. The individual's lifestyle and diet are exogenous factors that lead to intestinal dysbiosis and the development of obesity, influencing the progression of UC. The therapeutic approaches currently used for treatment are ineffective and only act to control the disease and reduce symptoms, without curing IBD. Citral is a monoterpene of plant origin found in essential oils, with antiulcerogenic, antitumor, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic actions. The aim of this study is to characterize the action of free and nanoemulsified citral in modulating dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced UC in the colon of lean and obese C57BL/6J male mice. Markers of lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde), neutrophil infiltration (myeloperoxidase), antioxidant parameters (superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione) will be quantified in tissue and plasma samples. The levels of pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines will also be analyzed using the Multiplex assay (IL-1², IL-6, TNF-±, IL-10 and IFN-³). The activity of MMP 2 and 9 will be quantified by zymography in colon samples that will also be used to evaluate the expression of the MUC5AC, MUC2, MUC3 and MUC5 genes quantified by rt-qPCR.