Protective Effects of Pioglitazone against Dextran Sodium Sulphate-Induced Colitis in Rats.

The aim of the present study is to investigate the preventive effect of pioglitazone on colitis induced with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in rats. Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 180-200 g were randomized into four groups. Rats of the 1st group received only saline and served as normal group. Colitis was induced in the remaining 3 groups by 1.5% DSS administered in drinking water for 8 days. Group 2 received only saline p.o. for 30 days and served as DSS control group. Groups 3 and 4 received pioglitazone (PIO; 10 mg/kg/day, p.o.) and sulfasalazine (SUL; 300 mg/kg) respectively for 30 days. All animals were sacrificed 24 h after the last treatment. Serum levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-17 (IL-17) were measured. Levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA), were measured in colon tissue. Significant elevation in GSH levels and reduction in MDA and TNF-α levels in colon tissue were observed in pioglitazone and sulfasalazine treated group when compared with the DSS control group. Significant elevation in serum IL-2 and reduction in serum IL-6 and IL-17 were observed when compared with the DSS control group. Pioglitazone reduced DSS-induced colitis possibly via reduction of MDA, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-17 levels.