Sulforaphane Protects Against DSS-Induced Acute Colitis

Abstract

Abstract Objectives This study tested the hypothesis that sulforaphane (SFN) enhances intestinal integrity and epithelial regeneration via AMPK/Nrf2 activation. Methods Male mice at 8-wk-old were subjected to control diet (CON) or CON with 600 ppm SFN for 4 weeks, and then half of mice within each dietary group were subjected to colitis induction (9-day-2.5% DSS treatment in drinking plus 9-day-recovery), while remaining their respective diet. Results SFN administration alleviated acute DSS-induced body weight loss and reduced disease activity index (DAI) score, as well as colon shortening in DSS-treated mice. Additionally, SFN supplementation decreased the mRNA expression of inflammatory markers, interleukin (IL)-1β, while increased anti-inflammatory marker IL-10 in DSS-challenged mice. Furthermore, SFN protected colonic epithelial structure, which was associated with activated AMPK signaling, increased Nrf2 and heme oxygenase-1 content in DSS-induced colitis mice. The roles of AMPK/Nrf2 signaling in mediating the improvement of gut epithelial regeneration following DSS-induced injury will be further studied. Conclusions SFN supplementation had protective effects against DSSinduced colitis and improved gut epithelial structure, which was associated with activation of AMPK/NrF2 signaling. Dietary SFN is a promising approach for the management and prevention of colitis. Funding Sources USDA-NIFA 2018-67,017-27,517.