Ameliorativ
Ameliorative Effects of
Sildenafil in Acetic Acid-Induced Chronic Colitis in Rats
Osama M. Ahmed1*,
Alaa Afifi2, Tarek M. Ali3, Shimaa A. Ramadan3 and Ayman M. Mahmoud1
1Physiology Division, Zoology Department, Faculty of
Science, Beni-Suef University, Egypt
2Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo
University, Egypt
3Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef
University, Egypt
* Corresponding author: [email protected]
Abstract: This
study aims to assess the effect of sildenafil
citrate, a potent inhibitor of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-specific
phosphodiesterase (PDE) 5, on the colon histological integrity,
oxidant-antioxidant status and pro-inflammatory cytokines in a rat model of
acetic acid-induced colitis. Chronic colitis was induced under light ether
anesthesia by intrarectal administration of 1 ml of 5% (v/v) acetic acid (AA)
in male albino rats, with a second intrarectal administration of the same dose
after 16 days. Control rats received an equal volume of saline intrarectally.
Experimental rats were treated orally with either sildenafil citrate (5 and 10
mg/kg/day) or saline for 3 days. Tissue samples were used for the measurement
of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels, and glutathione
peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. Blood was collected
for the assessment of serum AST, ALT, creatinine, urea, tumor necrosis factor
(TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β levels. Obtained results revealed that in
colitis group, the colonic tissue was characterized by lesions such as cystic
dilatation, hemorrhage, and leukocytic infilterations, increased lipid
peroxidation with a concomitant reduction in GSH content, and decreased GPx and
SOD activities. Serum hepatic and renal function parameters, TNF-α and IL-1β
levels were higher in the colitis group compared to control values. Sildenafil,
in a dose dependent manner, reversed these parameters nearly back to control
values. In conclusion, sildenafil citrate administration to rats with chronic
AA-induced colitis seems to be beneficial via prevention of
inflammatory processes, lipid peroxidation, cytokine production and alleviation
of the anti-oxidant defense system.
[Osama M. Ahmed, Alaa Afifi, Tarek M. Ali,
Shimaa A. Ramadan and Ayman M. Mahmoud. Ameliorative
Effects of Sildenafil in Acetic Acid-Induced Chronic Colitis in Rats. Life
Sci J 2012;9(1):354-361]. (ISSN: 1097-8135).http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 51
