Introduction: The use of probiotics supplements is becoming increasingly important for the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal illness. They play a role in maintaining homeostasis in the gut microbial ecosystem by regulating pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines.
Aim of the Study: To assess the effect of using probiotics in an acetic acid induced colitis. This study might shed light on the effect of probiotics when used alone after induction of colitis without any conventional treatment.
Material and Methods: Twenty four adult male albino rats were divided randomly into four groups: group I (control group), group II (Ulcerative colitis group) received 2 ml of 3% acetic acid by intra-colonic injection, in group III colitis was induced then after 24 hrs rats received probiotics for 7 days by oral gavage while rats of group IV received probiotics by oral gavage for 14 days prior to induction of colitis and 7 days thereafter. The colonic specimens were stained with H&E, alcian blue and immunohistochemical staining of α-SMA. Biochemical analysis for the detection of TNF- α, IL-17 and IL-10. Morphometric measurement and statistical analysis were done.
Results: The intake of probiotics reversed the massive damage of the colonic wall architecture induced by acetic acid. Administration of probiotics before induction of colitis resulted in significant decrease in the weight loss of rats and reduction of inflammation as evident by restoration of normal colonic wall architecture in H&E stained sections. Also restoration of number of goblet cells secretion in alcian blue stained sections, besides continuity of muscularis mucosa and reappearance of myofibroblasts as evident by positive α-sma immunostaining.
Conclusion: Using probiotics especially before and after the induction of colitis is more protective than its use after the induction of colitis only.