Disease activity index evaluation
The mice were observed daily in terms of the changes in their mental status, activity, hair gloss, appetite, and defecation (presence of blood, stool pattern, defecation frequency). Each group of mice was scored for the disease activity index (DAI) according to international standards: DAI = (weight loss score + stool score + blood stool score)/3. To detect faecal occult blood, we used the benzidine method.