The combined supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics decreased the levels of serum polyamines in experimental colitis

Polyamines play an important role in the maintenance of intestinal permeability. Therefore we aimed to determine the effects of probiotics and omega 3 fatty acids on serum polyamine levels in colitis. Fifty BALB/c mice were randomly grouped as normal, colitis with no treatment applied, colitis treated by probiotics (VSL#3), colitis treated by omega-3, and colitis treated by both probiotics and omega-3. Experimental colitis was induced by injection of 200 mg/kg 2,4-Dinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (DNBS). The probiotic and the omega-3 fatty acid supplements were applied daily by oral gavage. Serum polyamine levels were measured with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In each group, the levels of serum polyamines are the highest in spermidine and the least in spermine. Bowel inflammation in experimentally induced colitis mice resulted in lower serum polyamine concentrations. In probiotic and omega 3 fatty acid supplemented group significant decreases were observed for spermine and spermidine (p<0.001), while no significant changes were obtained for putrescine. Combined supplementation of probiotics and omega-3 fatty acids for 10 days in colitis mice significantly decreased the serum levels of spermine and spermidine.