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Lactulose Mediates Suppression of Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Colon Inflammation by Increasing Hydrogen Production

Digestive Diseases and Sciences volume 58, pages 1560–1568 (2013)Cite this article

Abstract

Background

Molecular hydrogen (H2) is a potent antioxidant and able to protect organs from oxidative stress injuries. Orally administered lactulose, a potent H2 inducer, is digested by colon microflora and significantly increases H2 production, indicating its potential anti-inflammatory action.

Objective

To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of lactulose on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in mice.

Methods

Mice were randomly assigned into seven groups, receiving regular distilled water, H2-rich saline (peritoneal injection), DSS, oral lactulose (0.1, 0.15, 0.2 ml/10 g, respectively), and lactulose (0.2 ml/10 g) + oral antibiotics. The mouse model of human ulcerative colitis was established by supplying mice with water containing DSS. The H2 breath test was used to determine the exhaled H2 concentration. Body weight, colitis score, colon length, pathological features and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), maleic dialdehyde (MDA) and marrow peroxidase (MPO) levels in colon lesions were evaluated.

Results

After 7 days, DSS-induced loss of body weight, increase of colitis score, shortening of colon length, pathological changes and elevated levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, MDA, and MPO in colon lesions, were significantly suppressed by oral lactulose administration and intraperitoneally injected H2-rich saline. Ingestion of antibiotics significantly compromised the anti-inflammatory effects of lactulose. The H2 breath test showed that lactulose administration significantly induced hydrogen production and that antibiotics administration could inhibit H2 production.

Conclusion

Lactulose can prevent the development of DSS-induced colitis and alleviate oxidative stress in the colon, as measured by MDA and MPO, probably by increasing endogenous H2 production.

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Acknowledgments

This work is supported by Creativity and Innovation Training Program of Second Military Medical University (ZD2010009).

Conflict of interest

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Graduate Management Unit, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China

    Xiao Chen & Xiao Zhai

  2. Graduate Management Unit, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China

    Jiazi Shi

  3. Department of Diving Medicine, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University, NO. 800 Xiangyin Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China

    Wen Wu Liu, Hengyi Tao, Xuejun Sun & Zhimin Kang

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  1. Xiao Chen
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  2. Xiao Zhai
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Correspondence to Xuejun Sun or Zhimin Kang.

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Xiao Chen and Xiao Zhai contributed equally to this work.

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Chen, X., Zhai, X., Shi, J. et al. Lactulose Mediates Suppression of Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Colon Inflammation by Increasing Hydrogen Production. Dig Dis Sci 58, 1560–1568 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-013-2563-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-013-2563-7

Keywords

  • Lactulose
  • Hydrogen
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Antioxidant
  • Oxidative stress