Therapeutic effects of vitamin D on acetic acid-induced colitis in rats

ABSTRACT

Purpose To analyze the effect of calcitriol treatment on acute colitis in an experimental rat model. Methods A total of 24 adult Sprague Dawley albino rats were randomly separated into 3 equal groups control group (n8), colitis group (n8), calcitriol administered group (n8). A single dose of acetic acid (1 ml of 4% solution) was administered intrarectally to induce colitis. Group 1 was given 1 ml/kg 0.9% NaCl intraperitoneally; rats belonging to Group 2 were administered calcitriol 1 µg/kg for 5 days. Results Plasma tumor necrosis factor alpha, Pentraxin 3, and malondialdehyde levels were significantly lower in the calcitriol administered colitis group than in the standard colitis group (p 0.01). In the Calcitriol group, there was a significant histological improvement in hyperemia, hemorrhage and necrotic areas in the epithelium compared to the placebo group (p 0.000). Conclusion The findings suggest that calcitriol may be an agent that could be used in acute colitis treatment.(AU)