Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of Spirulina platensis in comparison to Dunaliella salina in acetic acid-induced rat experimental colitis

Context: Spirulina platensis (SP) is used as a source of protein and vitamin supplement in humans without any significant side-effects. Dunaliella salina (DS) is also regarded as one of the richest natural producers of carotenoid, thus used as a source of antioxidants to protect cells from oxidative damage. Objective: The aim of the present study is to compare the ameliorative effect of Spirulina and Dunaliella in experimental colitis. Materials and methods: Spirulina and Dunaliella were investigated at the same dose of 500 mg/kg body weight for their modulatory effect against acetic-acid induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in rats. The colonic lesion was analyzed by examining macroscopic damage, bloody diarrhea scores, colon weight/length and change in body weight of tested rats. Colon lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress markers were examined by evaluating malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PCO), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Colon inflammatory markers; myeloperoxidase (MPO) and prostaglandin (PGE(2)) as well as proinflammatory cytokines; tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) and interleukins (IL-1 beta, IL-6) were also studied. Results: The colonic mucosal injury, biochemical and histopathologic results suggest that both SP and DS exhibit significant modulatory effect on acetic acid-induced colitis in rats, which may be due to a significant increase of antioxidant enzymes activity and significant inhibition of lipid peroxidation and inflammation markers. Discussion: Results showed that in comparison to Sulfasalazine, SP exhibited better therapeutic and safety profile than DS against acetic acid-induced UC. Conclusion: This study suggests potential benefits of SP and DS in an experimental model of colitis.