Sodium sulfate mp is a water-soluble powder based on ammonium sulfate. In addition to its use in food preservation, it is a potential anti-inflammatory agent. The purpose of this study is to explore the possibility that water-soluble mp is able to exert its anti-inflammatory effects on mice with Dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis. It was found that hyaluronan (HA) deposition in the blood vessels was elevated during the experimental period. HA deposition in inflamed tissues is a well-known phenomenon. Therefore, HA accumulated in the blood vessels may contribute to intestinal inflammation.

A subset of animals was treated with DSS +-co-treatment with sea cucumber GAGs for 24 hours. Animals were also offered azoxymethane at 7.5 mg/kg bw intraperitoneally. After four days, the animals were offered drinking water at 1.5% of their weight/volume for five days. During these five days, mice were given a total of 80 mg/kg body weight/d of GAGS. This treatment induced the onset of colitis. When the mice were treated with the combination of DSS +-co-treatment with GAGs, their colons were smaller and the number of intestines was shortened. Furthermore, the expression of critical genes, such as iNOS and COX-2, was enhanced in the intestines of the mice.

Sea cucumber GAGs have been shown to possess potent anti-inflammatory properties in vivo. They are believed to be responsible for the strong anti-inflammatory effect of FCS. Additionally, the in vitro activity of FCS was demonstrated by a mouse ear inflammation model.