The therapeutic effects of apremilast (phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor) on histological outcome, inflammatory biomarkers and oxidative stress parameter in experimental Induced Colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is idiopathic, chronic, relapsing inflammation of the intestines with no effective line of treatment. Therefore, novel and safer drugs with sufficient therapeutic efficacy are needed. The aim of the current study is to investigate the effect of apremilast on histological outcome, inflammatory biomarkers and oxidative stress parameter in experimentally induced colitis. Material and method: Experimental colitis was induced in rats by 4% acetic acid (vol/vol) enemas. Rats with colitis were received either apremilast 25mg/kg or sulfasalazine 100mg/kg orally for 7days. Macroscopical and microscopical assessment and the measurement of the colonic cytokines (IL-4 and TNF-α), oxidative stress marker myeloperoxidase (MPO), and adhesion molecule (E-Selectin). Result: Results showed that both apremilast and sulfasalazine significantly reduced the macroscopical and histological injury in colon that induced by acetic acid. In addition to the downregulation of colonic proinflammatory cytokines, MPO and E-Selectin. Conclusion: These results concluded that artemisinin had effective role in experimental colitis in rats through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions with downregulation the colonic adhesive molecule E-Selectin.