Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Zinc Oxide and Berberine in Rats with Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)-Induced Colitis

초록

Simple Summary Zinc oxide (ZnO) can be used to prevent intestinal diseases in the swine industry but its secretion in feces can result in environmental pollution. As an alternative for ZnO, we evaluated the action of berberine in rats with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid known for regulatory action for inflammation. We compared ZnO with berberine and observed a protective effect of berberine to a similar level of ZnO. Our study suggests that berberine is a valid substitute for ZnO that could reduce intestinal inflammation and environmental pollution.Abstract Zinc oxide (ZnO) is frequently used in high concentrations to prevent diarrhea in weaning pigs. However, it can produce environmental pollution, because it is not absorbed by the intestines and is excreted in the feces. In studies to identify an alternative substance to ZnO, we used a model of colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in rats to compare the anti-inflammatory effects of berberine with ZnO. DSS-treated rats displayed weight loss, shortening of the colon, increased fecal water content, and an increase in the disease activity index (DAI). In contrast, DSS + ZnO- and DSS + berberine-treated rats exhibited reduced colon shortening, decreased fecal water content, and a decrease in the DAI. Histological analysis revealed that both ZnO and berberine treatment reduced epithelial cell damage, crypt destruction, and infiltration of inflammatory cells. Moreover, the liver damage index was not significantly different between ZnO and berberine-treated rats. This study indicated that both ZnO and berberine can improve DSS-induced colitis in rats and suggests berberine as an alternative treatment to ZnO that would not cause environmental pollution.

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