Iloprost reduces colitis induced oxidative stress: An experimental study in rats

Background/aims: Reactive oxygen species have a known potent role in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis. Iloprost, a pharma- ceutical, is a chemically stable derivative of a naturally- occurring human prostacyclin. Several studies have demonstrated protec- tive effects of iloprost via its antioxidant and its anti-inflammatory activity. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of ilop- rost on oxidant/antioxidant status, as well as the large bowel histopathology in experimental colitis. Materials and Method: Forty adult male Wistar-albino rats were randomly divided in to four equal weight-matched groups: sham group (n=10), iloprost admi- nistered sham group (n=10), colitis group (n=10), iloprost administered colitis group (n=10). Acetic acid (1 ml of 4% solution) was used to induce colonic inflammation in the rats. Results: Colonic tissue and plasma malondialdehyde levels were significantly lo- wer in the iloprost administered colitis group than the colitis group (p