AIM To investigate the anti-inflammation protective effects of
sodium ferulate (SF) on colitis rats and its mechanism. METHODS
The colitis model of rats was produced by intracolon enema with acetic acid. SF and 5-ASA were used intracolonically for a week. The colon mucosadamage index (CMDI) was evaluated. Nitric oxide (NO), myelopexoxidase (MPO), prostaglandin (PGE_2), and the levels of expression of constitutive nitric oxide synthase(cNOS), induce nitric oxide synthase (iNOS),
cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and nuclear factor-kappaBp65(NF-κBp65) in the rats colon were detected by corresponding kits and immunohistochemical technology. RESULTS SF (200,400,800 mg·kg -1 ) can decrease the extents of CMDI and the levels of NO, MPO, PGE_2, the expression of cNOS, iNOS, COX-2, and NF-κBp65 in model group in a dose-dependent manner while the expression of COX-1 changes littlely. CONCLUSION SF is a NOS and partial selective COX-2 inhibitor and show therapeutic effect on colitis in rats.