Anti‐Inflammatory Effects of Haliotis discus hannai Ino on Dextran Sulfate Sodium‐Induced Colitis in Mice

In this study, an ethanol extract (HDE1) and a fermented extract (HDE2) of Haliotis discus hannaiIno (Pacific abalone) were administered to mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. Both extracts were administered at 50mg/kg and evaluated for their anti-inflammatory effects. Histological evaluations indicated that HDE1 effectively suppressed colonic tissue damage in mice with DSS-induced colitis. In addition, the expression levels of immune-related cytokines and transcription factors such as interferon- (IFN-), phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription-1 (pSTAT1), interleukin-4 (IL-4), phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription-6 (pSTAT6) and Gata3 were also downregulated by both extracts. These results indicated that both HDE1 and HDE2 suppressed inflammatory cytokines and mediators. However, histological examinations clearly suggested that HDE1 had greater efficacy in attenuating colonic tissue damage by DSS than HDE2. Therefore, HDE1 may be a potential anti-inflammatory agent for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Practical ApplicationsPacific abalone is an important marine food source in many Asian countries. The health benefits of Pacific abalone have been demonstrated in a number of studies. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of Pacific abalone extracts in a mouse model of ulcerative colitis. An ethanol extract (HDE1) of Pacific abalone potently suppressed the mucosal tissue damage and crypt loss in the colons of mice exposed to DSS. In addition, inflammatory cytokines and mediators were effectively suppressed by HDE1. Therefore, HDE1 may be a potential therapy for ulcerative colitis.