Effects of chondroitin sulfate on colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium in rats

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is currently marketed as a therapeutic drug for ne urodynia, lumbago and arthrodynia. Recently, many clinical studies have dem onstrated the therapeutic effects of orally administered CS against disease s with inflammation. Furthermore, these reports suggest CS plays an importa nt role in the protection of the base of ulcers and has anti-inflammatory a ctivity. We investigated the effects of CS against dextran sulfate sodium ( DSS)-induced rat colitis. Rats were given 3% DSS solution for 10 days ad li bitum. CS and 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) were orally administered daily. The doses of the CS groups were 20 or 100 mg/kg and that for the 5-ASA gro up was 100 mg/kg. Evaluations were made of bloody stools, areas of erosion and hematological data. CS improved the symptoms of bloody stools, erosion and increase of white blood cells. Especially, CS (100 mg/kg) group showed markedly more improvement than the 5-ASA group. We think that the major mec hanism of the therapeutic effects of CS are the prevention of tissue damage by the protection of digestive mucosa and anti-inflammatory effects. There fore, CS may have therapeutic value for alimentary tract diseases such as i nflammatory bowel disease or ulcer.