RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Activation of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB has been shown to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC). The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effects of NF-kappaB decoy oligonucleotides (ODNs) on an experimental model of UC. METHODS: NF-kappaB decoy ODNs were administered in experimental colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). The disease activity index (DAI) and histological score were observed. NF-kappaB DNA binding activity was assessed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). The expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) were measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: A significant improvement was observed in DAI and histological score in mice with NF-kappaB decoy ODNs, and the increase in NF-kappaB DNA binding activity, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, IL-1beta, and TNF-a in mice with DSS-induced colitis was significantly reduced following administration of NF-kappaB decoy ODNs. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of NF-kappaB decoy ODNs leads to an amelioration of DSS-induced colitis, suggesting administration of NF-kappaB decoy ODNs may provide a therapeutic approach for UC.
