Quercetin-loaded microcapsules ameliorate experimental colitis in mice by anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms

J Nat Prod. 2013 Feb 22;76(2):200-8. doi: 10.1021/np300670w. Epub 2013 Jan 24.

Abstract

Quercetin (1) is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant flavonoid. However, the oral administration of 1 did not lead to beneficial effects in experimental animal colitis models, which involve cytokines and oxidative stress. A possible explanation is that the absorption profile of 1 prevents its activity. Therefore, it was reasoned that the controlled release of 1 would improve its therapeutic effect. Thus, the therapeutic effect and mechanisms of 1-loaded microcapsules in acetic acid-induced colitis in mice were evaluated. Microcapsules were prepared using pectin/casein polymer and 1. The oral administration of 1-loaded microcapsules decreased neutrophil recruitment, attenuated histological alterations, and reduced macroscopical damage, edema, and IL-1β and IL-33 production in the colon samples. Microcapsules loaded with 1 also prevented the reduction of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and the antioxidant capacity of the colon. These preclinical data indicate that pectin/casein polymer microcapsules loaded with 1 improved the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of 1 compared to the nonencapsulated drug. Therefore, quercetin seems to be a promising active molecule in inflammatory bowel disease if provided with adequate controlled release.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acetic Acid / adverse effects
  • Administration, Oral
  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / analysis
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / blood
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / pharmacology*
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antioxidants / analysis
  • Antioxidants / chemistry
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology*
  • Capsules
  • Colitis / chemically induced*
  • Colitis / drug therapy
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods
  • Edema
  • Interleukin-1beta / drug effects
  • Interleukin-33
  • Interleukins / metabolism
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Molecular Structure
  • Neutrophils / drug effects
  • Peroxidase / drug effects
  • Quercetin / analysis
  • Quercetin / blood
  • Quercetin / chemistry
  • Quercetin / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antioxidants
  • Capsules
  • Il33 protein, mouse
  • Interleukin-1beta
  • Interleukin-33
  • Interleukins
  • Quercetin
  • Peroxidase
  • Acetic Acid