Papers of the Week

Most therapies used in patients affected by inflammatory bowel diseases are ineffective in preventing the development of chronic visceral hypersensitivity, mainly due to inflammation-induced enteric neuroplasticity. Glucosinolates, secondary metabolites mainly of with anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, are effective in treating both neuropathic and arthritis pain through HS release and Kv7 potassium channel activation. The aim of this work was to investigate the protective and anti-hyperalgesic efficacy of a defatted seed meal from Mill. (Brassicaceae), rich in glucosinolates, in a rat model of colitis induced by 2,4-dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS). The mechanisms of action were also investigated. Visceral pain was assessed by measuring the abdominal response to colorectal distension. Fifteen days after colitis induction, the acute administration of defatted seed meal (0.1-1 g kg p.o.) dose-dependently relieved pain. This effect was hampered by co-administering an HS scavenger or a selective Kv7 blocker. Administering (1 g kg) for 14 days, starting after DNBS injection, contributed to counteracting visceral pain persistence in the post-inflammatory phase of colitis by promoting colon healing from the damage and reducing enteric gliosis. defatted seed meal might be employed as a nutraceutical tool for supporting abdominal pain relief in patients.