Protective effect of decursin and decursinol angelate-rich Angelica gigas Nakai extract on dextran sulfate sodium-induced murine ulcerative colitis

Objective: To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of decursin and decursinol angelate-rich Angelica gigas Nakai (AGNE) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced murine ulcerative colitis (UC). Methods: The therapeutic effect of an AGNE was analyzed in a mouse model of UC induced by DSS. Disease activity index values were measured by clinical signs such as a weight loss, stool consistency, rectal bleeding and colon length. A histological analysis was performed using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Key inflammatory cytokines and mediators including IL-6, TNF-alpha, PGE2, COX-2 and HIF-1 alpha were assayed by enzymelinked immunosorbent assay or western blotting. Results: Treatment with the AGNE at 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg alleviated weight loss, decreased disease activity index scores, and reduced colon shortening in mice with DSSinduced UC. AGNE inhibited the production of IL-6 and TNF-alpha in serum and colon tissue. Moreover, AGNE suppressed the increased expression of COX-2 and HIF-1 alpha and the increased production of PGE2 in colon tissue were observed in mice with DSSinduced UC. Additionally, histological damage was also alleviated by AGNE treatment. Conclusions: The findings of this study verified that AGNE significantly improves clinical symptoms and reduces the activity of various inflammatory mediators. These results indicate the AGNE has the therapeutic potential in mice with DSS-induced UC.