Extra-virgin olive oil and flaxseed oil have no preventive effects on dss-induced acute ulcerative colitis

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the preventive effects of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and/or flaxseed oil (FO) on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced acute ulcerative colitis (UC) in female mice. Animals that received DSS presented: 1. elevated Disease Activity Index values; 2. increased colon weight/length ratio; 3. augmented leukocyte infiltration into the lamina propria and submucosa; and 4. increased production of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 and greater iNOS expression in the distal colon. Individually or in combination, the oils were not able to reverse or mitigate any of the DSS-induced symptoms and/or damage. Additionally, the group of animals treated with DSS and supplemented with FO displayed increased spleen weight/body weight ratio, and the group that received a combination of EVOO and FO presented increased TNF-α levels, when compared to the respective control group. In conclusion, the consumption of large amounts of EVOO and FO as a treatment for and/or prevention against UC could potentially elicit unwanted adverse effects.