Reduction in DSS‐induced enhancement of colonic injury and NF‐κB activation in rats consuming a diet containing black sorghum bran

Abstract

We have shown that sorghum bran diets containing bioactive compounds decrease colon carcinogenesis and the mechanisms involved may prove beneficial against chronic colon inflammation. To test this, rats (n=80) were provided diets containing 6% fiber from cellulose, or bran from black, sumac, or high tannin sorghum, which contain anthocyanins, condensed tannins, or both, respectively. Ten rats in each diet received 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) three times to stimulate inflammation. Feces were collected throughout the study, and on day 63 the colon was resected and distal segments were used to determine inflammation and injury scores. The colonic mucosa was scraped to measure NF‐κB activity. DSS elevated injury score and NF‐κB activity for all rats. Fecal moisture content and injury scores of DSS rats were higher in animals fed bran diets (9–13% and ~39%, respectively) compared to a cellulose diet (p<0.05 for both), but were lower than rats fed a pectin diet. When the relationship between changes in injury and NF‐κB within each diet was assessed, a linear relationship (p=0.01, R2=0.98) was observed, with the black bran diet resulting in the lowest value. Consumption of black sorghum bran may reduce colonic injury and induction of NF‐κB activity caused during inflammation, which may contribute to the reduction in colon carcinogenesis observed previously. Funding: United Sorghum Checkoff Board Roo31A‐09.