The aetiology of inflammatory bowel diseases
is unclear, but oxidative stress plays a key role
in the pathogenesis. Anthocyanins – plant polyphenols
– were shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
properties. The aim of this study was to
investigate the potential protective effects of anthocyanins
on the oxidative status in mice with chemically
induced colitis. Adult male mice were randomly
divided into a control group drinking tap water and
a colitis group drinking 1% dextran sulphate sodium
solution. Animals had ad libitum access to a control
wheat-based diet or food based on wheat producing
anthocyanins. Bodyweight and stool consistency
were monitored daily for 14 days. At the end of the
experiment, colon length was measured and tissue
samples were collected for the assessment of histology
and oxidative status. Mice with colitis had lower
body weight, higher stool score and shorter colon
than control mice. Anthocyanins had neither an effect
on stool consistency, nor on bodyweight loss