Ulcerative colitis disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by exacerbations and remissions. Its underlying pathogenesis is an interplay between genetic, environmental factors and gut microbiota. 40 adult Sprague Dawley rats were equally divided into 4 groups; group I (normal control). Group II (ulcerative colitis): received intra-colonic instillation of acetic acid 4% to induce colonic inflammation and ulceration. Group III (14-days probiotic protected): received oral probiotics (135 mg/kg BW), once daily for 14 days prior to the procedure of induction of ulcerative colitis. Group IV (28-days probiotic protected): received oral probiotics in the same dose as group III, once daily, for 28 days prior to induction of ulcerative colitis. Rats were sacrificed 24 hours after intra-colonic administration of acetic acid. Colonic mucosa elicited extensive ulceration and sloughing in group II; mucosal thickness was decreased and crypt abscesses were formed, whereas NF-kB expression was upregulated, and GPx and SOD enzymes were depleted in colonic tissue. Groups III and IV showed regained intestinal crypts with intact mucosa; NF-kB expression and GPx tissue levels were significantly improved in group IV, compared to groups II and III. Oral use of lactobacillus acidophilus can reduce the severity and progression of ulcerative colitis disease, and support gut integrity.
