We explored how icosapent ethyl, a form of eicosapentaenoic acid, affects ulcerative colitis, a significant inflammatory bowel disease impacting many individuals globally. In our assessment involving 36 male Wistar rats, we divided them into six groups, including a control, those with ulcerative colitis induced by acetic acid, and various treatment groups receiving either mesalamine or different doses of icosapent ethyl.
Through this structured approach, we observed that the rats with colitis displayed higher levels of harmful substances and lower levels of protective ones. However, upon administering icosapent ethyl, we noted a remarkable reduction in the severity of the inflammation, along with improvements in several biological markers, including reduced levels of malondialdehyde and certain inflammatory cytokines. The more significant dosage of icosapent, at 300 mg/kg, produced effects similar to the widely used drug, mesalamine.
We must highlight that the beneficial effects of icosapent were partially reversed by EX527, which suggests that its protective actions may involve activation of the SIRT1 signaling pathway. Our findings point toward the potential of icosapent ethyl to be an effective treatment option for ulcerative colitis, showcasing its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.