Cutaneous Application of Capsaicin Cream Reduces Clinical Signs of Experimental Colitis and Repairs Intestinal Barrier Integrity by Modulating the Gut Microbiota and Tight Junction Proteins
Elândia A. Santos, Janayne Luihan Silva, Paola Caroline Lacerda Leocádio, Maria Emília Rabelo Andrade, Celso Martins Queiroz‐Junior, Nathan S. S. Oliveira, Juliana de Jesus Monteiro Alves, Jamil S. Oliveira, Edenil Costa Aguilar, Kennedy Boujour, Bruno Cogliati, Valbert Nascimento Cardoso, Simone Odília Antunes Fernandes, Ana Maria Caetano Faria, Jacqueline I. Alvarez‐Leite
Abstract
High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Capsaicin, a pungent compound in chili peppers, is described as having potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. It is also described as a potential modulator of the immune system and intestinal microbiota. Oral or rectal administration of capsaicin has been studied to treat or prevent colitis. However, those vias are often not well accepted due to the burning sensation that capsaicin can cause. Our objective was to evaluate whether the application of capsaicin skin creams (0.075%) would be effective in improving inflammation and epithelial barrier function as well as the composition of the gut microbiota in a model of mild colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (1.5%). The results showed that the cutaneous application of capsaicin reversed weight loss and decreased colon shortening and diarrhea, all typical signs of colitis. There was also an improvement in the intestinal epithelial barrier, preserving proteins from tight junctions. We also evaluated the biodistribution of 99m technetium-radiolabeled capsaicin ( 99m Tc-CAPS) applied to the back skin of the animals. We found significant concentrations of 99 mTc-Cap in the colon and small intestine after 2 and 4 h of administration. In addition, there was an increased expression of capsaicin receptor TRPV1 in the colon. Moreover, animals with colitis receiving cutaneous capsaicin presented a better short-chain fatty acid profile and increased levels of SIgA, suggesting increased microbiota diversity. In conclusion, our work opens avenues for further studies to better understand capsaicin’s potential benefits and mechanisms in addressing colitis through cutaneous application.