Ulcerative Colitis, Immune System and Iron Status Inter-Relationship and the Protective Role of Date and Grape Seed Extracts in Rat Model

Abstract

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease with un-elucidated pathogenesis. Thorough investigation of immune system and iron status is decisive in UC development. Safe nutraceuticals for prevention of UC are crucial due to unwanted side effects of UC remedies. The research aimed at studying the changes in immunity and iron status in UC and the protective role of date palm (DP) and grape (G) seed extracts as nutraceuticals. DP and G seed extracts were tested in rats with induced UC. Biochemical and molecular nutrition analysis were applied on blood and colon along with colon histopathology and disease index. Phenolic compounds were analyzed in the ethanol extracts. Results showed that the major phenolic compounds in date and grape seeds were chlorogenic and catechin; respectively. Iron deficiency anemia with elevated colon oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers related to immune system were noticed in UC control compared to normal. Both treatments showed variable improvements in the aforementioned changes. Disease index demonstrated date seed extracts to be more efficient than grape. UC histopathological alterations were slightly improved on both treatments. In conclusion; iron deficiency anemia might be interrelated to elevated cytokines and oxidative stress in UC. Both treatments showed variable improvements in UC.