A polymeric diet rich in transforming growth factor beta 2 does not reduce inflammation in chronic 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid colitis in pre-pubertal rats

Background Pediatric Crohn’s disease is characterized by a higher incidence of complicated phenotypes. Murine models help to better understand the dynamic process of intestinal fibrosis and test therapeutic interventions. Pre-pubertal models are lacking. We aimed to adapt a model of chronic colitis to pre-pubertal rats and test if a polymeric diet rich in TGF-β2 could reduce TNBS-induced intestinal inflammation and fibrosis. Methods Colitis was induced in 20 five-week-old Sprague–Dawley male rats by weekly rectal injections of increasing doses of TNBS (90 mg/kg, 140 mg/kg and 180 mg/kg) for 3 weeks, while 10 controls received phosphate-buffered saline. Rats were anesthetized using ketamine and chlorpromazine. After first administration of TNBS, 10 rats were fed exclusively MODULEN IBD® powder, while remaining rats were fed breeding chow. Colitis was assessed one week after last dose of TNBS by histopathology and magnetic resonance colonography (MRC). Results Histological inflammation and fibrosis scores were higher in TNBS group than controls ( p < 0.05 for both). MRC showed increased colon wall thickness in TNBS group compared to controls ( p < 0.01), and increased prevalence of strictures and target sign ( p < 0.05). Colon expression of COL1A1, CTGF, α-SMA and COX-2 did not differ between TNBS rats and controls. TNBS colitis was not associated with growth failure. Treatment with MODULEN IBD® was associated with growth failure, increased colon weight/length ratio ( p < 0.01), but did not affect histological scores or MRI characteristics. Colon expression of α-SMA was significantly lower in the MODULEN group versus controls ( p = 0.005). Conclusion Features of chronic colitis were confirmed in this model, based on MRC and histopathology. Treatment with MODULEN did not reverse inflammation or fibrosis.