Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Pharmacy - Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology

Ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown etiology which is characterized by chronic and spontaneously relapsing inflammation that affects the gastrointestinal tract especially colon and rectum. Statins, common cholesterol control drugs, have been shown to exert {u2018}pleiotropic effects{u2019} independent of their cholesterol lowering actions that include anti- inflammatory properties. Selenium and its derivatives including sodium selenite (sod sel) belong to the group of essential trace elements needed for proper health and nutrition. They are found to be fairly safe and possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of the present investigation was to elucidate the possible anti-inflammatory and immune- modulatory effects of atorvastatin, sod sel and their combination on acetic acid induced experimental colitis in male albino rats. Mesalamine was used as a standard drug for management of ulcerative colitis. Colitis was induced by intrarectal instillation of 4% (v/v) acetic acid. Two hours later, treatments were given to rats daily for 15 consecutive days. Clinical symptoms, colon mass index, spleen weight, inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers, hematological, liver and kidney function tests, macroscopic and histological changes were determined. Atorvastatin and/or sod sel markedly ameliorated colitis as evidenced by a significant decrease in macroscopic and microscopic scores, disease activity index, colon mass index and spleen weight

Issued also as CD