Role of resolvin D2 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid in DSS-induced experimental colitis

Abstract

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are idiopathic and may be evidenced by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Usually, the indicated therapies for IBD are based on the administration of sulfasalazine, corticosteroid, immunomodulator, and biological therapy. However, new therapeutic strategies involving the inflammatory process are being proposed. Studies have highlighted the role of lipid mediators specialized in pro-resolution, such as lipoxins, resolvins, maresins and protectins, in the resolution of chronic inflammation. The objective of this study is to investigate the role of Resolvin D2 (RvD2) and its precursor, polyunsaturated fatty acid, omega-3, in the intestinal mucosa of mice with experimental colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). For this, male mice will be used, which will be divided into a control group and experimental group, and that will receive a standard diet, or a standard diet enriched with omega-3. After the period of exposure to the experimental diet, samples of the intestinal mucosa will be collected for the characterization of the biosynthesis pathway and RvD2 activity, using real-time PCR, Western Blot and immunohistochemistry. The metabolic phenotype and the inflammatory profile of these mice challenged with the different experimental diets and with DSS-induced colitis will also be evaluated. The use of experimental models of colitis will allow a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in this process and may represent a new therapeutic approach for IBD in the future.