Erschienen in:
01.04.2009 | Original Article
Effects of N-Acetylcysteine Plus Mesalamine on Prostaglandin Synthesis and Nitric Oxide Generation in TNBS-Induced Colitis in Rats
verfasst von:
Hanumantha R. Ancha, Ravi R. Kurella, Christine C. McKimmey, Stanley Lightfoot, Richard F. Harty
Erschienen in:
Digestive Diseases and Sciences
|
Ausgabe 4/2009
Einloggen, um Zugang zu erhalten
Abstract
The aim of the present studies was to examine mechanisms by which the rectally administered combination of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) plus mesalamine (5-ASA) affects inducers of inflammation to promote mucosal healing and reduce tissue inflammation in chemically (trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid, TNBS) induced colitis in rats. Experimental findings demonstrate that dual therapy with NAC plus 5-ASA was superior to individual agents in reducing histological measures of colitis. NAC alone and in combination with 5-ASA suppressed COX2 gene expression and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels to control values. Furthermore, NAC plus 5-ASA reduced nitrate generation, an expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activity, to basal levels and these results were significantly lower than those observed with either NAC or 5-ASA alone. In conclusion, these results indicate that NAC plus 5-ASA exerts therapeutic benefit, in part by countering the actions of PGE2 and the deleterious effects of oxidative and nitrosative stress induced by TNBS colitis.