Therapeutic effect of sodium 2-mercaptoethanesulfonate on dextran sulfate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis in rats

Abstract

Objective The aim of the study was to investigate the possible therapeutic effects of sodium 2-mercaptoethanesulfonate (MESNA) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in rats. Background Incidence of UC is high worldwide and has started to increase more and more specifically in the middle-east in the past few years. The established treatment of UC is still unsatisfactory, so the authors seek to develop new therapeutic modalities for UC. Materials and methods A total of 40 adult rats were divided into five groups (n = 8). Group 1 (control) is vehicle-treated group. Group 2 (DSStreated) received DSS 5% in drinking water for 7 days. Group 3 (DSS–Mesna-treated) received DSS 5% in drinking water for 7 days followed by Mesna 400 mg/kg/day intraperitoneal for 10 days. Group 4 (DSS–sulfasalazine-treated) received DSS 5% in drinking water followed by sulfasalazine (100 mg/kg/day; orally for 10 days). Group 5 (DSSMesna and sulfasalazine treated) received DSS 5% for 7 days followed by combined drugs for 10 days. Colonic tissue was used for estimation of reduced glutathione and superoxide dismutase. In addition, histopathological changes of rat colon were assessed. Results Mesna, sulfasalazine, and their combination significantly reduced body weight loss. They significantly increased the antioxidant defense (superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione). They improved histopathological changes of UC. Conclusion Mesna may play a role in treatment of DSS-induced UC. Its combination with sulfasalazine showed better therapeutic effect than Mesna used alone.