New Insights into the Mechanism of Ulva pertusa on Colitis in Mice: Modulation of the Pain and Immune System

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) involving Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are gastrointestinal (GI) disorders in which abdominal pain, discomfort, and diarrhea are the major symptoms. The immune system plays an important role in the pathogenesis of IBD and, as indicated by several clinical studies, both innate and adaptative immune response has the faculty to induce gut inflammation in UC patients. An inappropriate mucosal immune response to normal intestinal constituents is a main feature of UC, thus leading to an imbalance in local pro- and anti-inflammatory species. Ulva pertusa, a marine green alga, is known for its important biological properties, which could represent a source of beneficial effects in various human pathologies. We have already demonstrated the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic effects of an Ulva pertusa extract in a murine model of colitis. In this study, we aimed to examine thoroughly Ulva pertusa immunomodulatory and pain-relieving properties. Colitis was induced by using the DNBS model (4 mg in 100 mu L of 50% ethanol), whereas Ulva pertusa was administered daily at the dosage of 50 and 100 mg/kg by oral gavage. Ulva pertusa treatments have been shown to relieve abdominal pain while modulating innate and adaptative immune-inflammatory responses. This powerful immunomodulatory activity was specifically linked with TLR4 and NLRP3 inflammasome modulation. In conclusion, our data suggest Ulva pertusa as a valid approach to counteract immune dysregulation and abdominal discomfort in IBD.

Automated summary

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), including Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), are characterized by abdominal pain, discomfort, and diarrhea. The immune system plays a crucial role in the development of IBD, with an inappropriate immune response leading to gut inflammation in UC patients. This study investigated the immunomodulatory and pain-relieving effects of Ulva pertusa, a marine green alga, in a murine model of colitis. Results showed that Ulva pertusa administration relieved abdominal pain and modulated innate and adaptive immune-inflammatory responses, specifically through the modulation of TLR4 and NLRP3 inflammasome. These findings suggest that Ulva pertusa could be a promising approach to alleviate immune dysregulation and abdominal discomfort in IBD.