The dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis model is a widely used animal model for studying ulcerative colitis (UC), a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This model is highly reproducible, easy to generate, and mimics many features of human IBD. It has been used to investigate the role of gut microbiota, diet, and genetics in colitis and to evaluate potential therapies. However, it is not an exact replica of human colitis, and some findings from this model may not translate directly to humans. The model involves the interaction of DSS with medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) in the colon, leading to the formation of nanovesicles that damage colonocytes. The severity of colitis depends on factors such as DSS molecular weight, MCFAs concentration, and the ability of DSS to fuse with cell membranes. The model is flexible, allowing for acute, chronic, or relapsing colitis, and has been used to study both acute and chronic phases of the disease. It has also been used to investigate intestinal fibrosis and to evaluate the effectiveness of various treatments. Despite its usefulness, the model has limitations, including its inability to fully replicate the complex pathogenesis of human IBD and its dependence on specific mouse strains. Nonetheless, it remains a valuable tool for understanding IBD pathogenesis and developing new therapies.The dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis model is a widely used animal model for studying ulcerative colitis (UC), a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This model is highly reproducible, easy to generate, and mimics many features of human IBD. It has been used to investigate the role of gut microbiota, diet, and genetics in colitis and to evaluate potential therapies. However, it is not an exact replica of human colitis, and some findings from this model may not translate directly to humans. The model involves the interaction of DSS with medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) in the colon, leading to the formation of nanovesicles that damage colonocytes. The severity of colitis depends on factors such as DSS molecular weight, MCFAs concentration, and the ability of DSS to fuse with cell membranes. The model is flexible, allowing for acute, chronic, or relapsing colitis, and has been used to study both acute and chronic phases of the disease. It has also been used to investigate intestinal fibrosis and to evaluate the effectiveness of various treatments. Despite its usefulness, the model has limitations, including its inability to fully replicate the complex pathogenesis of human IBD and its dependence on specific mouse strains. Nonetheless, it remains a valuable tool for understanding IBD pathogenesis and developing new therapies.