Immunohistochemical examination of anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of hesperetin on trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid induced colitis in rats

The trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) induced colitis model is used to investigate the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis. Colon inflammation and apoptosis are associated with tissue damage in ulcerative colitis. Hesperetin is a natural flavonoid that exhibits antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties. We investigated the effects of hesperetin on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), protein tyrosine phosphatase, receptor type C (CD45), caspase-3 and Bax expressions in TNBS in induced colitis model in rats. Male rats were divided into three groups: control group treated with 1 ml physiological saline, colitis group, and colitis + hesperetin group treated with TNBS and hesperetin. Hesperetin treatment was applied for 10 days starting 3 days prior to colitis induction. At the end of the experiment, TNF-α, CD45, caspase-3 and Bax expressions in colon tissue were determined using indirect immunohistochemistry. Increased immunoreactivity of both inflammation markers, TNF-α, CD45, and apoptotic markers, caspase-3 and Bax, was detected in the colitis group. Hesperetin treatment effected significant reduction of all parameters. Hesperetin treatment prevents colon damage owing to its anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects.