Therapeutic Potential of Melittin-Loaded Liposomes in Ameliorating DSS-Induced Colitis: An Experimental Evaluation in a Rat Model

With few treatment choices and serious side effects, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis, is a chronic inflammatory illness of the gastrointestinal tract. With an emphasis on their anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory qualities, this work sought to assess the therapeutic potential of melittin-loaded liposomes in reducing DSS (Dextran Sodium Sulfate)-induced colitis in a rat model. Encapsulating melittin, a strong anti-inflammatory peptide extracted from bee venom, in liposomal nanocarriers improved its therapeutic efficacy while lowering toxicity. Solvent injection was used to create melittin-loaded liposomes, which produced liposomes with the ideal zeta potential, stability, and particle size. Oral gavage was the method of therapy employed to simulate DSS-induced colitis in male Wistar albino rats. The rats were split up into three groups: one for DSS-induced colitis, one for control, and one for melittin-loaded liposomes at different concentrations. Changes in body weight, the disease activity index, and a histological analysis of colonic tissues were used to measure the effectiveness of the treatment. Serum and colonic tissues were used to evaluate inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10) and oxidative stress indicators (malondialdehyde, MDA, and glutathione, GSH). In order to gauge the degree of inflammation and neutrophil infiltration, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity was also measured. Melittin-loaded liposomes were found to dramatically lessen the severity of colitis, as indicated by favorable histological alterations, improved body weight, and a decreased disease activity index. Moreover, pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers were significantly decreased after treatment with melittin-loaded liposomes, while levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 were raised. These results imply that melittin-loaded liposomes, which have strong anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties while being less toxic, may represent a viable therapeutic approach for the treatment of IBD. To investigate how this method can be used in a therapeutic setting, more research is necessary.