Fecal calprotectin, novel index for assessing the pathophysiological mechanisms of inflammatory bowel disease in rats treated by glutathione

ABSTRACT

In this study, the role of fecal calprotectin [FC] as a recent non-invasive diagnostic aid of inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] was evaluated and the effect of glutathione as a preventive and therapeutic factor in acetic acid induced colitis has been studied. Forty albino rats were divided into four groups; group I acetic acid induced colitis group. Group II before the induction of colitis, rats were given a preventive dose of glutathione [200 mg/kg, i.p]. Group III after colitis induction rats were treated with glutathione for one week [50 mg/kg,i.p.]. Group IV control group. At the end of experimental period, rats were sacrificed and fecal caiprotectin was assessed in the different groups, the level of antioxidant system in the intestine was evaluated and the severity of inflammation was histopathologically scored. Colitis induction was associated with significant increase in the colonic level of FC, which was significantly reduced with glutathione prevention. Glutathione level was decreased significantly in the intestine after colitis induction, however, it was significantly high in the prevention 'group. There was significant reduction in the antioxidant enzyme system after colitis induction. However, glutathione prevention was associated with higher antioxidant enzymes compared to treatment. Various histopathological changes as inflammation, ulceration and dysplasia were detected after colitis induction, group III, however, showed no ulceration and mild inflammation. Fecal caiprotectin can be used as a non-invasive and early marker for IBD. Glutathione prevention appeared to be beneficial for the acute stage of IBD than glutathione treatment. Moreover, intestinal antioxidant enzymes were correlated negatively with FC level