Hydatid cyst derived molecules potentiate the protective effect of sulfasalazine in murine induced colitis: Role of FOXP3 T-regulatory cells in colonic tissues

Ulcerative colitis (UC), a chronic recurrent inflammation of the colonic mucosa, has become a global emergency. With the restricted response and significant side effects of traditional drugs, a search for alternatives is mandatory. The current study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of hydatid cyst fluid (HCF) and laminated layer (HLL) derived crude extract of <i>E. granulosus</i>, combined with the standard medication sulfasalazine (SLZ), for treating acetic acid-induced colitis. Mice were divided into 7 groups. A colitis model using acetic acid (150 μl of 5% con.) intrarectally was induced. On the 8th day following colitis induction, the mice were sacrificed. We assessed the severity of colitis using survival rate, disease activity index, colon weight/length ratio, colon weight/bodyweight ratio, and gross and histopathological score of colon damage. Immunohistochemistry for Foxp3 T-reg expression in colonic tissues was done. The levels of inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α and IL-10, oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde, and total antioxidant capacity in serum samples were assessed. Groups treated with a combination of SLZ+HCF and SLZ+HLL revealed a statistically significant improvement compared to the colitis group by improving disease activity index, colon weight/length ratio and colon weight/bodyweight ratio, and gross and histopathological colon damage scores. Additionally, there was a significant rise in IL-4, TAC, and Foxp3+ Treg cell expression and decreased TNF-α and MDA expression. <i>E. granulosus</i>-derived HCF and HLL potentiate the protective effect of SLZ by increasing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties against murine colitis, suggesting the potential for novel therapeutic approaches.