The effect of an inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases on colonic inflammation in a trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid rat model of inflammatory bowel disease

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Abstract
Background : Recent publications have reported that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are expressed in colonic tissue taken from ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease patients. Aim : To evaluate the effects of a matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor, marimastat, on colonic inflammation in experimental colitis induced by trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid (TNBS)-ethanol in the rat. Methods : Rats were dosed (by mouth) for 7 days (b.d.) with either sulphasalazine (50 mg/kg), marimastat (40 mg/kg) or vehicle. TNBS-ethanol was administered rectally on the 4th day of dosing. On the last day of dosing, colons were removed and assessed for inflammation using myeloperoxidase activity, production of soluble TNFα (tumour necrosis factor α), clinical score and histological assessment. In addition, the bioavailability and effect of marimastat on a range of MMPs were assessed in-vitro. Results : In this study we have confirmed that marimastat is a broad spectrum MMPI with a bioavailability of 5%. TNBS rats dosed with sulphasalazine had a significantly lower (P < 0.05) myeloperoxidase activity, TNFα production and a markedly lower clinical score. Similarly, rats dosed with marimastat had a significantly lower (P < 0.05) myeloperoxidase activity and clinical score, but the TNFα production was not significantly reduced. Conclusions : Dosing rats with TNBS-induced colitis using sulphasalazine or marimastat produced a significant reduction in tissue injury and inflammation.