Investigation of ameliorative effects of indole-3 carbinol on TNBS-induced ulcerative colitis in rats

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract that can predispose patients to colonic neoplasms. Various natural compounds have been explored for their therapeutic potential. Indole-3-carbinol (I3C), a natural compound derived from cruciferous vegetables, is recognized for its tissue-protective and regenerative properties. This study aimed to investigate the effects of I3C on experimental ulcerative colitis in rats. Thirty-two Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups: a control group receiving isotonic saline, a TNBS group administered trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) intrarectally, an I3C group receiving I3C via gastric gavage, and a TNBS+I3C group treated with I3C following TNBS induction. After 7 days, all animals were euthanized under anesthesia, and pathological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical evaluations were conducted. The results revealed that I3C mitigated the severity of TNBS-induced colonic lesions and facilitated tissue repair. The I3C-treated group exhibited reduced tissue damage and enhanced mucosal regeneration. Additionally, vessel count, collagen, and myofibroblastic activity were markedly increased following I3C treatment. In conclusion, I3C exhibits both protective and reparative effects in experimental ulcerative colitis, potentially through anti-inflammatory mechanisms and the activation of tissue repair pathways.