Effects of probiotics, mesalazin and methylprednisolon on indomethacin provoked bowel inflammation in rats

Aim: The effectiveness of probiotics in preserving intestinal mucosa integrity has been already affirmed, although in case of Crohn's disease is not yet clarified. We have analyzed how the effective probiotics (ProGastro) are compared to drugs used in clinical practice in preventing the development of inflammation induced by indomethacin in rats. To confirm the macroscopic findings, we have measured the levels of TNF alpha in sera and in stimulated samples.

Methods: Bowel inflammation has been provoked by given indomethacin five s.c. in 10mg/kg doses once daily for three days to four groups of Wistar rats. To prevent inflammation the first group has been given 3.57mg/kg methyprednisolon i.p. the second 125mg/kg mesalazin p.o. and the third 42.86mg/kg ProGastro p.o. once daily for the same three days as indomethacin. The fourth group has been given indomethacin only, the fifth was the control group. On the fourth day the bowels have been removed in urethane induced narcosis (1.2g/kg i.p.). The small intestines have been cut longitudinally and examined according to the universally used Tamaki score criteria. The levels of TNF alpha have been measured in PMA and LPS stimulated samples and in sera by ELISA, using Rat TNF alpha Module Set. Blood has been taken directly from the hearts of the rats using vacuum sets. Results: The inflammation has been scored according to Tamaki criteria. The III-IV stages seen in the fourth group have been reduced to II by probiotics. The levels of TNF alpha in the PMA and LPS stimulated samples have decreased more in the first and second groups than in the third one. In our opinion by giving mesalazin and probiotics together stronger effects could be achieved, these expected additive effects are still to be evaluated.