Synergistic therapeutic potential of dexamethasone and L-arginine on acetic acid-induced colitis in albino rats : A histological and immunohistochemical study / Shimaa Ahmed Zaki ; Supervised Hend Shafik Bassiouny , Noha Mohamed Afifi Amin , Marwa Mohamed Yousry

Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Histology

Background:Dexamethasone (DEX) is widely used as the first line therapy of ulcerative colitis. However, long term glucocorticoids treatment often results in detrimental side effects. Recent studies suggested that L-arginine (Arg.) may be a promising supplement that maintains mucosal integrity and healing. Aim of the study:To evaluate the synergistic therapeutic effect of combined DEX and Arg. on acetic acid-induced colitis; monitored by histological, immunohistochemical and laboratory methods. Material & Methods: Twenty eight,12 weeks-old-male albino rats were divided into: group I (control), group II (Acetic acid (AA)-treated), group III (AA and DEX-treated), group IV (AA and Arg.-treated) and group V (AA, DEX and Arg.-treated). 2 ml of AA 4% was instilled intracolonic, once daily for 3 consecutive days. DEX was injected intraperitoneally, once daily for one week, at a dose of 2 mg/kg. Arg. was administrated orally, once daily for one week, at a dose of 100 mg. The proximal 3 cm of the descending colon were analyzed for studying expression ofiNOS, NO, TNF-Ü and IL-1Ý. The distal 3 cm of colonic specimens were stained with H&E, Alcian blue and immunohistochemical staining for COX-2. Morphometric measurement and statistical analysis were done. Results:AA-treated group sections revealed massive distortion of colonic wall architecture. Supplementation with DEX and Arg. could preserve the mucosal integrity and inflammatory profile

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