Prevention of DSS induced acute colitis by Petit Vert, a newly developed function improved vegetable, in mice

Petit Vert (PV) is a hybrid of Brussels sprout and Kale, and was newly developed as a function improved vegetable in Japan. Compared with other vegetables, PV contains high vitamin and minerals, and its health benefits are attracting much attention recently. Prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been increasing steadily in Japan. Diet is thought to have an important role in the immunopathogenesis and treatment of IBD. High dietary intakes of total fats, polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, and meat are associated with an increased risk of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. However in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated the antiinflammatory properties of n- 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in experimental models of IBD, although results of clinical trials have been disappointing. In contrast, high vegetable intake is thought to protect against IBD. Here we examined the therapeutic effect of PV on mice with dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced acute colitis, which is considered as an animal model for UC. Acute DSS colitis was induced in C57BL6/J mice by administration of 3% DSS in drinking water for 6 days. PV suspension was administered daily via oral gavage. Clinical condition of each mouse was evaluated for disease activity index score daily. PV significantly ameliorated the clinical condition of acute DSS colitis and prevented colon shortening. Western blotting for oxidative stress and apoptosis markers revealed that PV has positive therapeutic effect on mice with acute DSS colitis through anti-oxidative stress and anti-apoptosis mechanism, suggesting PV is a promising function improved vegetable to be used as a complementary approach for IBD.