Amelioration of murine dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis by nuclear factor-κb decoy oligonucleotides

BackgroundActivation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB has been shown to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC). The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effects of NF-κB decoy oligonucleotides (ODNs) on an experimental model of UC.MethodsNF-κB decoy ODNs were administered in experimental colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). The disease activity index (DAI) and histological score were observed. NF-κB DNA binding activity was assessed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). The expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).ResultsA significant improvement was observed in DAI and histological score in mice with NF-κB decoy ODNs, and the increase in NF-κB DNA binding activity, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, IL-1β, and TNF-a in mice with DSS-induced colitis was significantly reduced following administration of NF-κB decoy ODNs.ConclusionsThe administration of NF-κB decoy ODNs leads to an amelioration of DSS-induced colitis, suggesting administration of NF-κB decoy ODNs may provide a therapeutic approach for UC.