Germinated barley foodstuff suppresses dextran sulfate experimental colitis in rats: the role of mast cells.

Recent studies have suggested that dietary fiber exerts a therapeutic effect on inflammatory bowel disease patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a dietary fiber, germinated barley foodstuff (GBF), derived from the aleurone and scutellum fraction of germinated barley against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced experimental colitis in rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a 3% DSS diet containing GBF or alpha-cellulose for 8 days. The mucosal damage (macroscopic and microscopic inflammation) was then quantified. In addition, we evaluated the alterations in the mucosal mast cells and connective tissues. GBF effectively prevented mucosal damage. In addition, GBF suppressed the infiltration of the mucosal mast cells, and prevented the distraction of both collagen and elastic fibers. These effects may be closely associated with its inhibitory effects on mucosal mast cells, and the destruction of the mucosal connective tissues.