Impact of Probiotics Loaded Nanoemulsion Versus Free Probiotics on Experimentally Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Adult Male Albino Rats: Histological Study

Background and objectives: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a common inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Probiotics have proven their efficacy in the regeneration of intestinal mucosa; however, they have low bioavailability. Dietary nanoforms provide new approaches for improving bioavailability & safety of dietary supplements. This study aimed to explore the effect of probiotics loaded thyme essential oil nano-emulsion (TEON) in comparison with that of free probiotics on acute UC provoked by acetic acid in rats. Materials and Methods: This study included 40 adult male albino rats classified as 4 groups: Group I (Control), Group II (Ulcerative colitis): received a single intrarectal injection of 2 ml of 3% acetic acid, Group III (Probiotics treated): UC was induced in rats then rats received probiotics orally at a dose of 1.0 × 1010 CFU/kg/day . Group IV (Probiotics-TEON treated): UC was induced in rats then rats received probiotics- TEON orally at a dose of 5 mg/kg/day of TEON loaded with probiotics (1.0 × 1010 CFU/kg/day). All rats were sacrificed after 7 days. Tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase (CAT) levels were measured. Histological, morphometric and statistical studies were done. Results: Group II showed disrupted colonic wall structure. There were elevated MDA and decreased CAT levels compared to all other groups. There was a marked reduction in Alcian blue-positive reaction for goblet cells. The NF-kB showed strong positive immune reaction in the lining epithelial cells and in the inflammatory cells of the lamina propria. The α-SMA revealed decreased immune reaction in the pericryptal myofibroblasts and the muscularis mucosa. Groups III & IV showed restoration of the normal histological, biochemical and morphometric parameters. Moreover, group IV showed the best results in all parameters.Conclusion: Probiotics-TEON showed better therapeutic effects than the free probiotics on ulcerative colitis.