<![CDATA[Background Ulcerative colitis (UC) involves intestinal barrier disruption, inflammation, oxidative stress, and altered autophagy. SDS-induced intestinal injury in Drosophila melanogaster reproduces selected UC-relevant features, including barrier disruption and stress responses. However, whether Spirulina extract affects the expression of sod1, sod2, atg8a, and totA in this model remains unclear. Thus, sod1 and sod2 were selected as antioxidant-response markers, atg8a for autophagy, and totA for JAK/STAT-associated stress responses. We expected Spirulina extract to alleviate SDS-induced injury by modulating these molecular responses. This study evaluated the effects of Spirulina extract on survival and the expression of these genes. Methods D. melanogaster was exposed to SDS to induce a UC-like phenotype, which was assessed using survival and Smurf assays. Spirulina extract at concentrations of 0.625 %, 1.25 %, and 2.5 % was evaluated for toxicity and protective effects. Gene expression of sod1, sod2, totA, and atg8a was analyzed using RT-qPCR. Results Spirulina extract at concentrations of 0.625–2.5 % showed to be tolerated during fly development and were used in subsequent experiments. SDS 0.25 % successfully induced a UC-like phenotype, characterized by reduced survival and increased Smurf phenotype. Spirulina extract, particularly at 0.625 %, improved survival. At the molecular level, Spirulina extract decreased totA and atg8a expression, and differentially modulated sod1 and sod2 expression. Conclusion Spirulina extract, particularly at 0.625 %, was associated with increased survival in SDS-exposed D. melanogaster and changes in the expression of sod1, sod2, atg8a, and totA. These findings indicate phenotypic and molecular responses to Spirulina treatment, although the observed gene expression changes do not establish the mechanisms underlying the survival response.]]>
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