Amelioration of experimental colitis by a novel nanoselenium--silymarin mixture

Aims: To investigate the combination effect of silymarin and nano-Se on inhibition of NF-kappa kappa B, proinflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress biomarkers in the experimental colitis. Methods: Trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) was used to induce colitis. After TNBS instillation, rats were distributed into six groups, containing silymarin and nano-Se alone or in combination, dexamethasone, negative control with no treatment and the last one was normal sham rats. All drugs were administered for 7 days. Colon samples were scored macroscopically and microscopically. The levels of activated NF-kappa kappa B, IL-1 beta beta, TNF-alpha alpha, myeloperoxidase (MPO), lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl (PC), and the antioxidant power of the colon homogenates were determined. Result: A significant decrease in NF-kappa kappa B activity in treated groups was observed. The levels of TNF-alpha alpha, IL-1 beta beta, MPO, lipid peroxidation, and PC were reduced and an improvement in antioxidant power of treated groups was seen. Combination of silymarin and nano-Se were more effective than each one alone in improvement of NF-kappa kappa B, TNF-alpha alpha, antioxidant power, and lipid peroxidation values, although this difference was not significant in other factors. Conclusion: Co-administration of silymarin and nano-Se with a good antioxidant profile and inhibition of NF-kappa kappa B is a possible candidate for better management of inflammatory bowel disease.