Ulcerative colitis: Gut microbiota, immunopathogenesis and application of natural products in animal models

Author(s)

de Paula do Nascimento, Roberto ; da Fonseca Machado, Ana Paula ; Galvez, Julio ; Betim Cazarin, Cinthia Bau ; Marostica Junior, Mario Roberto

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Life Sciences; v. 258, p. 22-pg., 2020-10-01.

Abstract

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease with increasing incidence in the world, especially in developing countries. Although knowledge of its pathogenesis has progressed over the last years, some details require clarification. Studies have highlighted the role of microbial dysbiosis and immune dysfunction as essential factors that may initiate the typical high-grade inflammatory outcome. In order to better understand the immunopathophysiological aspects of UC, experimental murine models are valuable tools. Some of the most commonly used chemicals to induce colitis are trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid, oxazolone and dextran sodium sulfate. These may also be used to investigate new ways of preventing or treating UC and therefore improving targeting in human studies. The use of functional foods or bioactive compounds from plants may constitute an innovative direction towards the future of alternative medicine. Considering the above, this review focused on updated information regarding the 1. gut microbiota and immunopathogenesis of UC; 2. the most utilized animal models of the disease and their relevance; and 3. experimental application of natural products, not yet tested in clinical trials. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/23657-6 - Development of microparticles containing grape skin extract through the emerging technique SAS and evaluation of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in the treatment of induced Colitis in rats
• Grantee: Ana Paula da Fonseca Machado
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 15/13320-9 - Effect of pulp oil and tea of leaves from avocado Hass variety associated with physical activity in the treatment of obesity induced by high-fat diet
• Grantee: Mário Roberto Maróstica Junior
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 18/11069-5 - Action of Brazilian berries on metabolic parameters and cognitive performance of obese animals
• Grantee: Mário Roberto Maróstica Junior
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 15/50333-1 - COBRA: a novel compound discovery pipeline for rapid and cost-effective identification of bioactives with health beneficial effects in Brazilian crops
• Grantee: Glaucia Maria Pastore
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants