SYNERGISTIC AMELIORATIVE EFFECT OF Lactobacillus AND Spirulina platensis AGAINST EXPERMINTAL COLITIS IN ALBINORATS: ANTIOXIDANT, HISTOPATHOLOGICAL AND MOLECULAR STUDIES.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) considers one of inflammatory disorders which affect colon mucosa cause a substantial burden on human day life. In the past, treatment of UC depended on aminosalicylates and antibiotics but due to their adverse side effects and incomplete effectiveness, antioxidant anti-inflammatory agents are used nowadays to ameliorate UC. The aim of this work is to evaluate the modulatory effect of Lactobacillus and/or Spirulina oral administration in acetic acid induced colitisin albino rats. Rats were divided randomly into (6) groups. 1st group (negative control), 2nd group (acetic acid), 3rd group (Mesalazine) at dose 20mg/kg orally was used as positive drug control. 4th group (Lactobacillus) at dose1×109 CFU/rat daily. 5th group (Spirulina) at dose500mg/kg daily. 6thgroup (Lactobacillus at dose 1×109 CFU/rat + Spirulina at dose 500mg/kg). Results revealed that the experimental colitis group showed significant increase in DAI, macroscopic damage, colon weight, colonic MDA, NO, molecular expressions (iNOS and COX-2) and significant decrease in colon length, GSH level and CAT activity. Lactobacillus and/or Spirulina supplementation revealed significant improvement in macroscopic and microscopic finding, increase antioxidant biomarkers, significant inhibitions of MDA and nitric oxide. Furthermore, significant decline in COX-2 and iNOS expressions were reported. In conclusion, the protective effects of Lactobacillus and/or Spirulina in UC are due to their ability to reduce iNOS and COX-2 expressions, increase antioxidant biomarkers and significant inhibition of lipid peroxidations. Furthermore, Lactobacillus and Spirulina have synergistic protective effect on colon tissue and could be used in combination to ameliorate UC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]