Alterations in biomechanical properties and microstructure of colon wall in early-stage experimental colitis

Gong,Xiaohui; Xu,Xiaojuan; Lin,Sisi; Cheng,Yu; Tong,Jianhua; Li,Yongyu

doi:10.3892/etm.2017.4607

Alterations in biomechanical properties and microstructure of colon wall in early-stage experimental colitis

Authors:
- Xiaohui Gong
- Xiaojuan Xu
- Sisi Lin
- Yu Cheng
- Jianhua Tong
- Yongyu Li
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Affiliations: Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias of the Ministry of Education of China, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China, Department of PathoPhysiology, Institute of Digestive Disease, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China, Shanghai East Hospital, Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Nano Science, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China
Published online on: June 14, 2017 https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2017.4607
Pages: 995-1000
Copyright: © Gong et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.

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Abstract

The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of early-stage dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced mouse colitis on the biomechanical properties and microstructure of colon walls. In the present study, colitis was induced in 8-week-old mice by the oral administration of DSS, and then 10 control and 10 experimental colitis samples were harvested. Uniaxial tensile tests were performed to measure the ultimate tensile strength and ultimate stretches of colon tissues. In addition, histological investigations were performed to characterize changes in the microstructure of the colon wall following treatment. The results revealed that the ultimate tensile stresses were 232±33 and 183±25 kPa for the control and DSS groups, respectively (P=0.001). Ultimate stretches at rupture for the control and DSS groups were 1.43±0.04 and 1.51±0.06, respectively (P=0.006). However, there was no statistically significant difference in tissue stiffness between the two groups. Histological analysis demonstrated high numbers of inflammatory cells infiltrated into the stroma in the DSS group, leading to significant submucosa edema. Hyperplasia was also identified in the DSS‑treated submucosa, causing a disorganized microstructure within the colon wall. Furthermore, a large number of collagen fibers in the DSS‑treated muscular layer were disrupted, and fiber bundles were thinner when compared with the control group. In conclusion, early‑stage experimental colitis alters the mechanical properties and microstructural characteristics of the colon walls, further contributing to tissue remodeling in the pathological process.

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