Les maladies inflammatoires chroniques de l’intestin font partie des pathologies immunitaires. Leur pathogenèse est directement liée à une réponse immune exagérée dirigée contre des bactéries commensales normalement présentes dans l’intestin, chez des individus génétiquement prédisposés. Parmi les facteurs favorisants, on trouve l’amélioration du niveau d’hygiène ainsi qu’une diminution des infections parasitaires. Des études épidémiologiques ont suggéré une relation entre la prévalence des infections par les helminthes et l’incidence des maladies inflammatoires chroniques de l’intestin dans les pays en développement. Ces infections parasitaires induisant une réponse immune de type Th2, il est donc proposé qu’elles participent la régulation des maladies inflammatoires médiées par une réponse immune de type Th1, comme la maladie de Crohn.Notre équipe s’est intéressée à l’effet immuno-modulateur d’une protéine du Schistosome, la P28GST (Glutathion S-transferase) dont les propriétés immunogénétiques pro-Th2 ont été démontrées précédemment dans des modèles expérimentaux et chez l’homme. Au cours de notre travail, nous avons montré que l’immunisation avec la P28GST était capable de diminuer de manière façon significative la colite expérimentale dans deux modèles animaux. L’immunisation avec cette enzyme parasitaire, produite sous forme recombinante, a réduit les scores cliniques et histologiques obtenus après induction de colite expérimentale par injection de l’haptène TNBS chez des rats Sprague Dawley rats ainsi que chez des souris C57Bl/6. Cet effet est associé à une diminution des marqueurs de l’inflammation (Myéloperoxidase) et de lexpression de l’ARN messager codant pour des cytokines pro-inflammatoires (IL-1β, IL-17 et TNF) dans le colon des animaux. Nous détectons une modulation de la réponse immune caractérisée par une diminution du profil Th1 mesuré par la présence d’ARN messager codant pour l’IFNγ vers un profil de type Th2, associé à une augmentation de l’ARN messager codant pour l’IL-4, l’IL-5 et l’IL-13. L’augmentation du rapport ARN messager Arg1/iNOS2 ainsi que la détection de cellules Arginase positives par immuno-histo chimie dans le colon des animaux immunisés suggèrent la présence de macrophages alternatifs (AAM), dont on connait le rôle anti-inflammatoire et l’association à une réponse de type Th2. Des résultats similaires ont été obtenus dans un autre modèle expérimental, chez la souris.Nous avons comparé l’effet de cette protéine du Schistosome avec l’effet de l’infection par des larves du parasite grâce à deux modèles d’infection : soit une infection au long cours (associé avec une réponse immune de type Th2), soit une infection récente (avec une réponse immune de type Th1). Nos résultats montrent que l’immunisation par une seule protéine de schistosome, la P28GST, réduit l’inflammation intestinale aussi bien que l’infection au long cours, tandis que les animaux récemment infectés n’étaient pas protégés de la colite. En conclusion, notre étude présente les premières évidences que l’immunisation avec une protéine recombinante de Schistosome pourrait réduire de manière préventive la colite expérimentale induite par l’injection d’une haptène dans deux modèles de rongeurs. Si les mécanismes d’action précis doivent encore être élucidés, nos travaux suggèrent que l’effet anti-inflammatoire de la P28 GST puisse avoir des applications dans la prévention de l’inflammation intestinale permettant d’envisager une utilisation chez l’homme, notamment dans la prévention des rechutes de la maladie de Crohn. / Inflammatory bowel diseases are considered part of immune-mediated inflammatory disorders. Their pathogenesis was linked to an inappropriate exaggerated immune response to commensal bacteria normally present in the bowel, in genetically predisposed individuals. Increase of the level of hygiene and decrease exposure to helminthic infections was suggested as predisposing factors to IBD. Epidemiologic data have given a clue on the relation of prevalence of helminthic infections and the incidence of inflammatory bowel diseases in developing countries. The Th2 polarized T cell response driven by helminthic infection has been linked to the attenuation of Th1 driven inflammatory responses, preventing some Th1 mediated autoimmune diseases in their host, including Crohn’s disease.Our work focused on the immuno-modulatory effect of a Schistosome protein – P28GST (a Glutathion S-transferase). Its immuno-genetique, pro-Th2, characters have been previously demonstrated in experimental models as well as clinical trials. We showed that immunization with P28GST was able to significantly reduce experimentally induced colitis in two animal models.Immunisation with this recombinant parasitic enzyme reduced clinical and histological scores of the TNBS induced colitis in both Sprague Dawley rats as well as in C57Bl/6 mice. This effect was associated with a decrease in the expression of inflammatory markers (Myeloperoxidase) as well as mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-17 and TNF) in the colon of sacrificed animals. We detected a shift of the immune response characterized with decrease of Th1 immune response assessed by the mRNA expression of IFNγ towards a less pathological Th2 immune response assessed by the mRNA expression of IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13. An increase in the ratio of mRNA expression of Arg1/iNOS2, as well as the immuno-histochemical detection of Arginase positive cells in the colon of the sacrificed animals suggested the presence of alternatively activated macrophages (AAMs) characterized by their anti-inflammatory effect and their association with the Th2 immune response. Similar results have been obtained in another animal model, the C57Bl/6 mice.We have also compared the effect of a single recombinant Schistosome protein to two models of infection with living schistosome parasites, either with long standing infection (associated with a Th2-type response) or with a recent onset exposure (a Th1-type response). Our results showed that immunisation with a single Schistosome protein, the P28GST; give similar results to established infection in term of reduction of intestinal inflammation, whereas recently infected rats were not protected against colitis.In conclusion, this study provides the first evidence that immunization with a recombinant protein from the Schistosome helminth parasite prevents hapten-induced colitis in two models of rodents. Although further studies are needed to illustrate the exact mechanisms of action implicated in the immuno-modulatory effect, P28GST is a promising molecule exerting a potent anti-inflammatory role in the prevention of colitis. The potential effect of this helminthic enzyme is actually taken in consideration in the prevention of Crohn’s disease relapses in humans.

No description available.

As Doenças Inflamatórias Intestinais (DII) são caracterizadas por resposta inflamatória exacerbada na mucosa intestinal, com desbalanço entre mecanismos pró-inflamatórios e reguladores. Entretanto, até o momento, nenhuma terapia é curativa e vários pacientes são refratários ou intolerantes a elas, necessitando de intervenções cirúrgicas para combater as complicações da doença. Sendo assim, é evidente que novas terapias são necessárias para o controle da progressão das DII. Dessa forma, como a saliva de insetos hematófagos constitui uma fonte importante de moléculas com potencial farmacológico, o objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar a atividade terapêutica do extrato de glândula salivar (EGS) do Aedes aegypti e suas frações na colite experimental. Para tal, camundongos C57BL/6 foram submetidos à indução de colite pela administração de água contendo 3% de dextran sulfato de sódio (DSS). Os resultados demonstraram melhora na condição clínica e no escore pós-morte dos camundongos tratados com o EGS i.v. ou i.p. Essa melhora foi acompanhada de redução de leucócitos no sangue periférico, principalmente quando os animais foram tratados i.v. Além disso, redução do infiltrado inflamatório e das citocinas patogênicas IL-12, IFN-?, TNF-?, IL- 1? e IL-5, no intestino, foi também associada ao tratamento. Ademais, houve diminuição da frequência de linfócitos TCD4+ produtores de IFN-?, IL-17 e IL-4 no baço e nos linfonodos mesentéricos (LNM) dos animais tratados com EGS. Ainda, uma menor frequência de células CD11b+ no baço e CD49b+ nos LNM também foi detectada nos animais com inflamação intestinal tratados com o EGS. De forma interessante, quando expostos por dois ciclos ao DSS, o tratamento precoce com EGS (1o ciclo) protegeu os camundongos do desenvolvimento da colite após nova indução da inflamação intestinal (2o ciclo), sugerindo que a saliva do A. aegypti possui componentes com capacidade de retardar o aparecimento e a gravidade da recidiva da doença. A melhora na condição clínica associada ao tratamento com EGS parece também estar associada à modulação de populações bacterianas no intestino com características supostamente colitogênicas (Pseudomonas monteilii) e protetoras (Ruminococus champanelensis e Turicibacter sanguinis). De fato, o transplante de microbiota de camundongos tratados com EGS para animais que sofreram indução da colite levou à aparente melhora do escore pós-morte e à redução de leucócitos circulantes. Além disso, o transplante diminuiu a expressão de RNAm das citocinas inflamatórias IFN-? e IL-1?, indicando que alterações na microbiota intestinal podem ser um dos mecanismos pelos quais o EGS modula a colite experimental. Finalmente, experimentos utilizando a cromatografia líquida de alta performance (HPLC) sugerem que uma fração (F3) do extrato bruto da saliva, pode ser a responsável pela melhora observada nos sinais clínicos da doença. De forma geral, o EGS e seus componentes parecem representar uma fonte importante de moléculas imunomoduladoras com potencial terapêutico no tratamento da inflamação intestinal induzida experimentalmente / Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is an inflammatory disorder characterized by an imbalance between inflammatory and regulatory immune responses at the gut mucosa. However, current therapies are not totally effective and a plenty of patients require repeated surgeries to control disease complications. So, it is clear that novel therapies are still needed to control IBD progression. Thereby, since saliva from bloodsucking arthropods is a rich source of pharmacologically bioactive molecules, the aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic activity of Aedes aegypti total (SGE) and fractionated saliva in the treatment of experimental colitis. For this purpose, C57BL/6 male mice were exposed to 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in drinking water. The results showed an improvement in clinical disease outcome and postmortem scores after SGE treatment, regardless the route of administration used (i.p. or i.v.). This amelioration was accompanied by the systemic reduction in peripheral blood lymphocytes, especially when the i.v route was used. Furthermore, a reduction in the inflammatory area together with a local diminishment of IFN- ?, TNF-?, IL-1? and IL-5 cytokines were observed in the colon of SGE-treated mice. Similarly, a reduction of the frequency of TCD4+ lymphocytes producing IFN-?, IL-17 and IL-4 was observed in spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) of SGE-treated mice. A lower frequency of CD11b+ cells in spleen and CD49b+ in MLN was also observed after SGE treatment. Interestingly, early treatment with SGE led to mice protection from a late DSS rechallenging, indicating that the mosquito saliva may present components able to prevent disease relapse. Clinical improvement due to SGE therapy seems to be also related to the modulation of intestinal bacterial population with different characteristics. Thus, SGE-therapy managed to a diminishment of colitogenic (Pseudomonas monteilii) and improvement of protective (Ruminococus champanelensis e Turicibacter sanguinis) bacteria. In fact, microbiota transplantation from SGE-tretaed mice to mice exposed to DSS-colitis improved postmortem scores and induced systemic diminishment in peripheral blood lymphocytes. Additionally, a reduced mRNA levels for the inflammatory cytokines IFN-? and IL-1?, was observed in transplanted mice, pointing to the effects of SGE-therapy in the modulation of gut microbes as one of the mechanisms related to the improvement of disease outcome. Finally, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) experiments suggested a major SGE pool fraction (F3) able to ameliorate disease signs. In conclusion, SGE and its components might represent a source of important immunomodulatory molecules with promising therapeutic activity for experimentally induced intestinal inflammation.

As Doenças Inflamatórias Intestinais (DII) são caracterizadas por resposta inflamatória exacerbada na mucosa intestinal, com desbalanço entre mecanismos pró-inflamatórios e reguladores. Entretanto, até o momento, nenhuma terapia é curativa e vários pacientes são refratários ou intolerantes a elas, necessitando de intervenções cirúrgicas para combater as complicações da doença. Sendo assim, é evidente que novas terapias são necessárias para o controle da progressão das DII. Dessa forma, como a saliva de insetos hematófagos constitui uma fonte importante de moléculas com potencial farmacológico, o objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar a atividade terapêutica do extrato de glândula salivar (EGS) do Aedes aegypti e suas frações na colite experimental. Para tal, camundongos C57BL/6 foram submetidos à indução de colite pela administração de água contendo 3% de dextran sulfato de sódio (DSS). Os resultados demonstraram melhora na condição clínica e no escore pós-morte dos camundongos tratados com o EGS i.v. ou i.p. Essa melhora foi acompanhada de redução de leucócitos no sangue periférico, principalmente quando os animais foram tratados i.v. Além disso, redução do infiltrado inflamatório e das citocinas patogênicas IL-12, IFN-?, TNF-?, IL- 1? e IL-5, no intestino, foi também associada ao tratamento. Ademais, houve diminuição da frequência de linfócitos TCD4+ produtores de IFN-?, IL-17 e IL-4 no baço e nos linfonodos mesentéricos (LNM) dos animais tratados com EGS. Ainda, uma menor frequência de células CD11b+ no baço e CD49b+ nos LNM também foi detectada nos animais com inflamação intestinal tratados com o EGS. De forma interessante, quando expostos por dois ciclos ao DSS, o tratamento precoce com EGS (1o ciclo) protegeu os camundongos do desenvolvimento da colite após nova indução da inflamação intestinal (2o ciclo), sugerindo que a saliva do A. aegypti possui componentes com capacidade de retardar o aparecimento e a gravidade da recidiva da doença. A melhora na condição clínica associada ao tratamento com EGS parece também estar associada à modulação de populações bacterianas no intestino com características supostamente colitogênicas (Pseudomonas monteilii) e protetoras (Ruminococus champanelensis e Turicibacter sanguinis). De fato, o transplante de microbiota de camundongos tratados com EGS para animais que sofreram indução da colite levou à aparente melhora do escore pós-morte e à redução de leucócitos circulantes. Além disso, o transplante diminuiu a expressão de RNAm das citocinas inflamatórias IFN-? e IL-1?, indicando que alterações na microbiota intestinal podem ser um dos mecanismos pelos quais o EGS modula a colite experimental. Finalmente, experimentos utilizando a cromatografia líquida de alta performance (HPLC) sugerem que uma fração (F3) do extrato bruto da saliva, pode ser a responsável pela melhora observada nos sinais clínicos da doença. De forma geral, o EGS e seus componentes parecem representar uma fonte importante de moléculas imunomoduladoras com potencial terapêutico no tratamento da inflamação intestinal induzida experimentalmente / Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is an inflammatory disorder characterized by an imbalance between inflammatory and regulatory immune responses at the gut mucosa. However, current therapies are not totally effective and a plenty of patients require repeated surgeries to control disease complications. So, it is clear that novel therapies are still needed to control IBD progression. Thereby, since saliva from bloodsucking arthropods is a rich source of pharmacologically bioactive molecules, the aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic activity of Aedes aegypti total (SGE) and fractionated saliva in the treatment of experimental colitis. For this purpose, C57BL/6 male mice were exposed to 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in drinking water. The results showed an improvement in clinical disease outcome and postmortem scores after SGE treatment, regardless the route of administration used (i.p. or i.v.). This amelioration was accompanied by the systemic reduction in peripheral blood lymphocytes, especially when the i.v route was used. Furthermore, a reduction in the inflammatory area together with a local diminishment of IFN- ?, TNF-?, IL-1? and IL-5 cytokines were observed in the colon of SGE-treated mice. Similarly, a reduction of the frequency of TCD4+ lymphocytes producing IFN-?, IL-17 and IL-4 was observed in spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) of SGE-treated mice. A lower frequency of CD11b+ cells in spleen and CD49b+ in MLN was also observed after SGE treatment. Interestingly, early treatment with SGE led to mice protection from a late DSS rechallenging, indicating that the mosquito saliva may present components able to prevent disease relapse. Clinical improvement due to SGE therapy seems to be also related to the modulation of intestinal bacterial population with different characteristics. Thus, SGE-therapy managed to a diminishment of colitogenic (Pseudomonas monteilii) and improvement of protective (Ruminococus champanelensis e Turicibacter sanguinis) bacteria. In fact, microbiota transplantation from SGE-tretaed mice to mice exposed to DSS-colitis improved postmortem scores and induced systemic diminishment in peripheral blood lymphocytes. Additionally, a reduced mRNA levels for the inflammatory cytokines IFN-? and IL-1?, was observed in transplanted mice, pointing to the effects of SGE-therapy in the modulation of gut microbes as one of the mechanisms related to the improvement of disease outcome. Finally, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) experiments suggested a major SGE pool fraction (F3) able to ameliorate disease signs. In conclusion, SGE and its components might represent a source of important immunomodulatory molecules with promising therapeutic activity for experimentally induced intestinal inflammation.

Les maladies inflammatoires chroniques de l’intestin (maladie de Crohn, rectocolite hémorragique, colite inclassée) de l’enfant peuvent occasionner des séquelles anatomiques telles que la fibrose intestinale responsable de sténoses, ainsi que! des troubles fonctionnels intestinaux (TFI) persistants lors de la rémission de la maladie. L’objectif de la thèse était d’estimer l’impact de ces complications et de rechercher une association avec les caractéristiques antérieures de la maladie. Nous avons utilisé pour cela deux séries pédiatriques et deux modèles animaux. Dans l’étude TFI\MICI, nous avons montré que 20% des enfants et adolescents avec MICI en rémission clinique et biologique avaient des TFI, et 15% des douleurs abdominales fonctionnelles (DAF). Les DAF étaient associées à une fatigue accrue, à des symptômes dépressifs et une diminution de la qualité de vie, mais pas à de l’anxiété. Il n’y avait pas d’association entre la gravité de la MICI et la présence de DAF. Dans l’étude STENO\PED, nous avons montré que les seuls critères cliniques et radiologiques associés à la nécessité de résection chirurgicale des enfants ayant une maladie de Crohn sténosante du grêle étaient une dilatation sus-sténotique > 30 mm et un PCDAI > 22,5 au diagnostic de sténose. L’administration d’un traitement anti-TNF après le diagnostic de sténose était un facteur protecteur par rapport au risque de chirurgie. Il manque de modèles expérimentaux permettant de suivre l’histoire naturelle de la fibrose intestinale en lien avec l’inflammation et l’effet des traitements, notamment chez l’animal pré-pubère. Nous avons adapté au rat pré-pubère un modèle de colite aiguë (1 dose de TNBS) et chronique (3 doses de TNBS) et avons montré que les rats développaient une inflammation significative dans les 2 modèles, basé sur un score histologique. L’IRM montrait un épaississement de la paroi colique et des sténoses dans les 2 modèles, et des ulcérations de la muqueuse dans le modèle aigu. En histologie, il y avait une fibrose légère à modérée dans le modèle TNBS chronique et une ébauche non significative de fibrose dans le modèle aigu. Le traitement des rats par MODULEN IBD® exclusif dès le début de l’induction de l’inflammation n’a pas entraîné de diminution de l’inflammation ni de la fibrose histologiques dans les deux modèles. La prise en charge des séquelles anatomiques et fonctionnelles des MICI pédiatriques devient un enjeu majeur même si la prévalence des douleurs fonctionnelles nous est apparue comme non augmentée par rapport à la population générale. Les modèles animaux pré-pubères pourraient permettre de mieux analyser la cinétique de la fibrogenèse et l’impact d’une suppression précoce de l’inflammation et/ou de nouvelles thérapeutiques anti-fibrosantes. / The course of pediatric-onset inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s diseae, ulcerative colitis and IBDD unclassified) can be complicated by structural or functional sequelae. Structural complications include intestinal fibrosis which can cause bowel strictures. IBD can be associated with functional abdominal pain persisting despite remission of inflammation. The purpose of our work was to determine the burden of these complications and search for association with previous severity of inflammation, based on!two clinical studies and two animal models. In the first study, TFI-MICI, we showed that 20% of children and adolescents with IBD in clinical and biochemical Remission had functional gastrointestinal disorders, among which 15% had functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPD). FAPD was! Ssociated with increased fatigue, depressive symptoms and reduced quality of life, but not with anxiety. There was no association between the severity of IBD and presence of FAPD. The second study, STENO-PED, focused on imaging and clinical predictors of response!to treatment in children and adolescents with stricturing small bowel Crohn’s disease. We showed that the predictors for surgery were a dilation proximal to the stricture of >30mm, and a PCDAI score at diagnosis of stricture > 22.5. Receiving an anti-TNFα treatment after diagnosis of stricture was a protective factor from surgery. Experimental models allowing to follow the progression of fibrosis along with inflammation and assess response to Treatment are lacking, in particular for pre-pubertal animals. We adapted to Sprague-Dawley pre-pubertal rats a model of acute (1 dose of! TNBS) and chronic (3 doses of TNBS) hapten-induced colitis. The rats in both models developed significant inflammation, based on histology and magnetic resonance colonography. Rats in the chronic colitis model developed histologic fibrosis. There was a non-significant trend to fibrosis in the acute model. !We treated rats in both models with MODULEN IBD® from induction of colitis to collection of colonic samples. This treatment did not reverse inflammation nor fibrosis. Fibrosis and functional abdominal pain in pediatric-onset IBD are two important problems, although functional pain appeared to be not more frequent than in the general population. Animal models could be of great assistance in order to better decipher the link between inflammation and fibrosis, and see if an effective early suppression of inflammation along with new anti-fibrotic therapies could halt the progression of fibrosis.

Il est maintenant établi que les facteurs alimentaires participent à la survenue des maladies inflammatoires chroniques de l’intestin (MICI). Le traitement thermique des aliments génère des substances néoformées telles que les produits de Maillard (MRPs) dont les effets sur la santé sont controversés. D’autres contaminants retrouvés dans les aliments sont issus des emballages. L’ensemble de ces molécules ont été associées à des réactions inflammatoires mais peu de données existent sur leurs conséquences sur la sphère digestive. L’objectif de cette thèse était d’étudier l’effet du traitement thermique des aliments sur la modulation d’une colite chez la souris. Dans un premier temps, nous avons dosé quelques marqueurs des MRPs dans deux régimes : peu et fortement chauffés. Ensuite, nous avons évalué l’impact de ces matrices sur la réponse inflammatoire chez des souris soumises à deux modèles de colites (DSS, TNBS). Enfin, nous avons observé les conséquences de l’effet cumulé de l’ingestion de MRPs et d’un contaminant d’emballage (le phtalate DEHP) chez les animaux atteints d’une colite. Le niveau de traitement thermique de la matrice était proportionnel aux teneurs en produits avancés et terminaux de la réaction de Maillard. Un fort traitement thermique a permis de prévenir la réponse inflammatoire chez les animaux soumis aux colites mais nous n’avons observé aucune modification de la réponse inflammatoire colique suite à l’ingestion couplée de MRPs et de DEHP. A terme, ces résultats descriptifs pourraient, sous réserve d’en identifier les mécanismes, servir à l’élaboration de recommandations nutritionnelles pour les patients souffrant de MICI. / It is acknowledged that alimentary factors participate in the etiology of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). On the other hand, food heat treatment generates neoformed compounds such as Maillard Reaction Products (MRPs) with controversial effects on human health but also results in contamination coming from packaging. All of these compounds are incriminated in inflammatory reactions but there are few data related to their consequences on gut. This work was aimed at determining the effect of food heat treatment on the modulation of an experimental colitis in mice. At first, we assessed some markers of MRPs in two moderately and highly heated diets. We then evaluated the consequences of these diets on the inflammatory response of animals submitted to two models of experimental colitis (DSS, TNBS). At last, we observed the consequences of cumulative effects of oral repeated exposure to MRPs and to a packaging contaminant the phthalate DEHP in DSS colitic mice. We revealed that the thermic level treatment was proportional to level of advanced and terminal MRPs and that the highest heat treatment resulted in the prevention of both the colitis models. By contrast, we observed no change in the inflammatory response following the coupled exposure to DEHP and the highly treated diet. While being descriptive, those results are promising and, after understanding the mechanisms involved, could be of interest in the conception of nutritional recommendations for IBD patients.

Background: We have recently shown that dysregulation of redox-sensitive signaling pathways and oxidative damage to biological structures are major contributors to experimental ulcerative colitis. We also demonstrated the powerful anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory actions of dietary apple peel polyphenols (DAPP) in the intestine. Objectives: As mitochondria are major sources and target of free radicals, as well as exhibit various important cellular functions, we evaluated their roles in intestinal colitis and their responses to DAPP. Methods: Induction of intestinal inflammation in C57BL6 mice was performed by administration of 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Two different doses of DAPP (200 and 400 mg/kg/day) were administered by gavage for 10 days (before and during DSS administration) to examine the preventive and curative effects, respectively, on inflammation and oxidative stress (OxS) in the intestine, and on mitochondrial functions. Results: DSS caused a significant weight loss, shortening of the colon, increased OxS (noted by lipid peroxidation), and raised inflammation (verified by infiltration of inflammatory cells, up-regulation of MPO, and elevated TNF-α and COX2 protein expression). Furthermore, DSS induced perturbations in mitochondrial biogenesis, as reflected by alterations of the transcription factor PGC1α and mitochondrial function characterized by diminished Adenosine-5'-Triphosphate (ATP) production, lowered antioxidant defense (GPx and SOD2), amplified apoptosis (as illustrated by the high expression of Cytochrome C and AIF), and defects in DNA integrity (high 8-OHdG). However, DAPP administration improved macroscopic parameters (e.g. weight loss, colon shortening) and reduced DSS-induced clinical signs. DAPP showed an evident capability of reducing inflammation (as noted by decreased TNF-α, iNOS, COX-2 and AP-1) and OxS (as shown by reduced malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide levels and increased GPx) in DSS mice. Our findings also revealed that DAPP partially corrected mitochondrial dysfunction related to redox homeostasis, fatty acid β-oxidation, ATP synthesis, apoptosis and regulatory mitochondrial transcription factors (PGC1α, PPARγ and Nrf-2). Conclusion: DAPP have the ability to act on intestinal OxS, inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction, thereby alleviating colitis progression via the modulation of cellular energy, OxS, antioxidant capacity, apoptosis and mtDNA integrity. / Contexte: L'inflammation et le stress oxydatif (OxS) participent à la pathogenèse de la colite ulcéreuse (CU). Nos résultats récents montrent que les polyphénols de la pelure de pomme (DAPP) jouent un rôle clé dans la prévention de la maladie. Objectifs: Évaluer les effets préventifs et curatifs du DAPP sur la CU et démontrer leur impact sur la dysfonction mitochondriale. Méthode: Une induction de l’inflammation intestinale a été effectuée chez des souris par administration du dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Des doses de DAPP (200 et 400 mg/kg/j) ont été administrées par gavage pendant 10 jours afin d’évaluer les effets préventifs et curatifs, respectivement, sur l’Inflammation et le OxS au niveau intestinal ainsi que sur les fonctions mitochondriales. Résultats: Le DSS a provoqué une perte de poids, un raccourcissement du côlon, une augmentation du stress oxydant, niveaux de malondialdéhyde et une inflammation documentée par l’infiltration des cellules inflammatoires, la myéloperoxydase et les cytokines inflammatoires. D’autre part, le DSS a induit des désordres au niveau de la biogenèse (PGC1α) et des fonctions de la mitochondrie : diminution de l’ATP, altération des enzymes antioxydantes (SOD2 et GPX1), augmentation de l’apoptose (Bcl 2, Bax et Cytochrome C), et des défauts de l’intégrité de l’ADN (baisse d’OGG1). Cependant, le DAPP a amélioré significativement l’inflammation et le stress oxydant de l’intestin tout en corrigeant les aberrations mitochondriales. Conclusions: Les polyphénols ont la capacité d’agir sur le stress oxydant et le profil inflammatoire de l’intestin ainsi que sur le dysfonctionnement mitochondrial. Ils pourraient donc intervenir efficacement dans la CU.

Inflammatory bowel diseases, (IBD), are a group of chronic disorders of the gastro-intestinal tract, and include Crohn’s disease (CD) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC). The pathogenesis is not known, but involves at least in part a loss of tolerance towards the commensal colonic microbiota. In this thesis, we show in animal models of CD and UC that the colonic mucosal blood flow increased compared to healthy animals. This blood flow increase is due to an up regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Further, we show in the UC model that the thickness of the firmly adherent colonic mucus layer increased compared to healthy animals. This increase is due to an up regulation of inducible NOS in the epithelium. Both the blood flow and mucus thickness increase appear to be protective mechanisms.  We demonstrate that the firmly adherent colonic mucus layer acts as a partial barrier towards luminal bacteria. In the UC model, this barrier is destroyed, causing increased bacterial translocation. The adhesion molecule P-selectin was up regulated in the UC model, leading to increased interactions between leukocytes and the endothelium, but also increased interactions between platelets and the endothelium. This indicates that not only leukocytes, but also platelets are involved in colonic inflammation. The addition of the probiotic bacterial strain Lactobacillus reuteri prevented disease by normalizing P-selectin levels and endothelial interactions with leukocytes and platelets. Lactobacillus reuteri also decreased bacterial translocation over the epithelium. In summary, this thesis highlights the importance of colonic barrier functions, and investigates the role of the microbiota in experimental IBD.