AUTHOR=Khajah Maitham A. , Hawai Sanaa , Barakat Ahmad , Albaloushi Aisha , Alkharji Maha , Masocha Willias
TITLE=Minocycline synergizes with corticosteroids in reducing colitis severity in mice via the modulation of pro-inflammatory molecules
JOURNAL=Frontiers in Pharmacology
VOLUME=14
YEAR=2023
URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2023.1252174
DOI=10.3389/fphar.2023.1252174
ISSN=1663-9812
ABSTRACT=Background: A few studies have highlighted the anti-inflammatory properties of minocycline in reducing colitis severity in mice, but its molecular mechanism is not fully understood. The aim of this study was to determine the anti-inflammatory properties of minocycline and the expression/activity profiles of molecules involved in pro-inflammatory signaling cascades, cytokines, and molecules involved in the apoptotic machinery. The synergistic effect between minocycline and corticosteroids was also evaluated.
Methods: The effects of various treatment approaches were determined in mice using the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) colitis model at gross and microscopic levels. The expression/activity profiles of various pro- or anti-inflammatory molecules were determined using Western blotting and polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Results: Minocycline treatment significantly reduced colitis severity using prophylactic and treatment approaches and produced a synergistic effect with budesonide and methylprednisolone in reducing the active state of colitis. This was mediated in part through reduced colonic expression/activity of pro-inflammatory molecules, cytokines, proteins involved in the apoptotic machinery, and increased expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10.
Conclusion: Minocycline synergizes with corticosteroids to reduce colitis severity, which could reduce their dose-dependent side effects and treatment cost. The reduction in colitis severity was achieved by modulating the expression/activity profiles of various pro- and anti-inflammatory signaling molecules, cytokines, and molecules involved in the apoptotic machinery.