Humic Acid Ameliorates DSS-Induced Colitis by Enhancing MUC-2 Expression and Restoring Colonic Histoarchitecture in Rats
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.4314/njbmb.v40i1.15Keywords:
Inflammatory bowel diseases, humic acidAbstract
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic idiopathic inflammatory disorder that involves any part of the colon. It typically presents with symptoms such as bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain and rectal urgency. Humic acid isa chemical produce by decaying organic matters, and has immune stimulating effect but its mechanistic role in treating UC remains underexplored. This study investigates the role of humic acid (HA) in attenuating Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)-induced UC model in male Wistar rats. Twenty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to groups (n = 6). Group 1 served as controls; Group 2 received 5% DSS alone; Group 3 received 5% DSS followed by humic acid (30 mg/kg); and Group 4 received 5% DSS followed by sulfasalazine (200 mg/kg). DSS was administered orally to induce colitis in Groups 2, 3, and 4. Colitis was induced for five days and drug treatment done for another five days. The disease activity index was assessed on days 1, 3, 5, and 10. Animals were euthanized by cervical dislocation and colon specimens harvested for macroscopic assessment and histological and biochemical assays. Humic acid treatment significantly attenuated DSS-induced colitis by reducing inflammation markers (MPO, TNF-α, interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, and arginase) and restoring colonic histological integrity. Significant improvements were observed in colonic tissue nitrite levels and MUC-2 expression. Conclusively, HA shows promise as an alternative therapeutic for UC, offering anti-inflammatory, and mucosal barrier-protective effects.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Blessing O. Omolaso, Adeoti G. Adeniran, Oluwafunmbi E. Ogunmiluyi, Julius K. Adesanwo, Adetutu Akinwuni, Kehinde Ewonowo, Oluwatomiwa Akinsola, Abosede T. Olorunnusi (Author)
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