Modulation of inflammatory response and mucus production through adiponectin deficiency in a murine model of DSS‐induced acute colitis (650.14)

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is an idiopathic disease comprising of Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, and characterized by abrasion of the colon lining and altered mucus production by goblet cells. Adiponectin (APN), an adipocytokine which is known to bind epithelial growth factor (EGF), acts as a pro‐inflammatory molecule such that, its absence has a protective role against inflammation in acute colitis. The present study establishes this role in a murine model of acute colitis. METHODS: WT and APNKO mice were given 2.5% DSS ad libidum in drinking water for 5 days, followed by normal drinking water for next 5 days to induce acute inflammation. Mice were injected with 1.5 mg/kg of recombinant APN intraperitoneally every alternative day. Clinical score parameters included weight loss, diarrhea and blood in stools. Relative numbers of epithelial and goblet cells, expression levels of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines and mucin genes in colon tissues were studied using histochemical procedures, ELISA and Western blot. RESULTS: Administration of APN worsened the symptoms of acute ulcerative colitis in the experimental mice, leading to higher clinical scores and pro‐inflammatory cytokines, lower goblet cell numbers and reduced expression of EGFR. CONCLUSION: Absence of APN serves a protective role against DSS‐induced acute colitis.