Gastroprotective activity of ethyl-4-[(3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-hydroxybenzylidene) amino]benzoate against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal ulcer in rats

Diospyros kaki fruit aqueous extract individual/combined with famotidine mitigates peptic ulcer induced by alcohol in rats

The present study was performed to evaluate the therapeutic impact of Diospyros kaki fruit aqueous extract (DKFAE) on ethanol induced peptic ulcer. The phytochemical studies of DKFAE were investigated using colorometric analysis. Gastric ulcer was induced by one dose of ethanol (5 ml/Kg, b.w) on 24 h empty stomach. Then, the plant extract (200, 400 mg/kg) was orally administrated for 2 weeks. Famotidine (FAM: 40 mg/kg, b.w.): a reference drug was also tested. The effect of mixture dose between the fruit extract and FAM (DKFAE, 50 mg/kg PC, p.o. + FAM, 50 mg/kg PC, p.o.) was also evaluated. One hour after induction of ulcer blood samples were collected, stomach acidity and volume, as well as lesion counts were measured, then stomach and intestine of scarified rats were subjected to biochemical, macroscopic and microscopic studies. Results showed that DKFAE exhibited an important antioxidant potential. In vivo, the results showed that alcohol induced gastric damage, improving oxidative stress markers level such as MDA and H2O2, gastric and intestinal calcium and free iron. The intoxication by ethanol also produce an inflammation occurred by high level of the C-reactive protein (CRP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in plasma. In contrast, DKFAE and the mixture dose significantly protect against macroscopic and histological injuries, the secretory profile disturbances, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzymes activities and non enzymatic antioxidant level decrease induced by ethanol administration. More impressively, the mixture dose exerted the more excellent effect than DKFAE and famotidine each alone showing is possible synergism.

Anti H. pylori, anti-secretory and gastroprotective effects of Thymus vulgaris on ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in Sprague Dawley rats

The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the acute toxicity, gastroprotective, therapeutic, anti-inflammatory and anti H. pylori activities of T. vulgaris total plant extract against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in Sprague Dawley rats. Animals were divided into five groups i.e G-1 (Normal Control), Group 2 (ulcer control) were administered orally with 0.5% Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), Group 3 (omeprazole treated) was administered orally with 20 mg/kg of omeprazole and Groups 4 and 5 (Low dose and High dose of the extract) were administered orally with 250, and 500 mg/ kg of Thymus vulgaris extract, respectively. After 1 hour, the normal group was orally administered with 0.5% CMC (5 ml/kg), whereas absolute alcohol (5ml/ kg) was orally administered to the ulcer control group, omeprazole group, and experimental groups. Stomachs were examined macroscopically and microscopically. Grossly, rats pre-treated with T. vulgaris demonstrated significantly decreased ulcer area and an increase in mucus secretion and pH of gastric content compared with the ulcer control group. Microscopy of gastric mucosa in the ulcer control group showed severe damage to gastric mucosa with edema and leukocytes infiltration of the submucosal layer. However, rats pretreated with omeprazole or Thyme vulgaris exhibited a mild to moderate disruption of the surface epithelium and lower level of edema and leukocyte infiltration of the submucosal layer. The T. vulgaris extract caused up-regulation of Hsp70 protein, down-regulation of Bax protein, and intense periodic acid Schiff uptake of the glandular portion of the stomach. Gastric mucosal homogenate of rats pre-treated with T. vulgaris exhibited significantly increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities while malondialdehyde (MDA) level was significantly decreased. Based on the results showed in this study, Thymus vulgaris extract can be proposed as the safe medicinal plants for use and it has considerable gastroprotective potential via stomach epithelium protection against gastric ulcers and stomach lesions.

Gastroprotective effects of Polygonatum odoratum in rodents by regulation of apoptotic proteins and inflammatory cytokines

In an increasing interest in natural antiulcer compounds that may have gastric healing effects and possibly prevent ulcer recurrence, Polygonatum odoratum appears as a strong candidate. The gastroprotective potentials of P. odoratum rhizome extract (PORE) were explored on ethanol-induced gastric ulceration in rats. Sprague Dawley rats were caged in 5 groups, normal and ulcer control rats received CMC (1% carboxymethyl cellulose). Omeprazole (20 mg/kg) was given to reference Rats. Experimental rats were treated with 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg PORE, respectively. After an hour, the normal control rats received 1% CMC, whereas rat groups 2-5 were given absolute ethanol by oral gavage. After 60 min, rats received anesthesia and were sacrificed. Dissected gastric tissue was analyzed by histopathological and immunohistochemical techniques. PORE treatment significantly lowered the ethanol-induced gastric injury, as shown by up-surging gastric pH and mucus content, reduced leukocyte infiltration, lower ulcerative areas in mucosal layers, and increased antioxidants (SOD and CAT) and (MDA) levels. Furthermore, PORE pre-treated rats showed significantly increased expression of the Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), HSP-70 protein, and decreased Bax protein in their gastric epithelial layers. PORE treatment showed an important regulation of inflammatory cytokines shown by decreasing the TNF-a, and IL-6 and increasing the IL-10 values. The detected biological activity of PORE is encouraging and presents the scientific evidence for its traditional use as a gastroprotection agent however further studies are required to determine the exact phytochemicals and mechanism pathway responsible for this bioactivity.

Mongolian medicine formulae Ruda-6 alleviates indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer by regulating gut microbiome and serum metabolomics in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ruda-6 (RD-6), a typical traditional Mongolian medicine formulae consisting of 6 herbs, has been traditionally used in treating gastric disorders. Even though it has been shown to protect against gastric ulcers (GU) in animal models, the gut microbiome and serum metabololite-related mechanisms that prevent GU are not well understood.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study was conducted to evaluate the gastroprotective mechanism of RD-6 associated with the alteration of the gut microbiome and serum metabolic profiles in GU rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

RD-6 (0.27, 1.35 and 2.7 g/kg) or ranitidine (40 mg/kg) were orally administered in rats for three weeks before the induction of gastric ulcer using indomethacin (30 mg/kg, single oral dose). The gastric ulcer index, ulcer area, H&E staining, and the levels of TNF-α, iNOS, MPO and MDA were quantified to evaluate the ulcer inhibitory effects of RD-6. Then, 16S rRNA gene sequencing combined with LC-MS metabolic profiling was performed to investigate the effect of RD-6 on the gut microbiota and serum metabolites in rats. Moreover, a spearman analysis was used to calculate the correlation coefficient between the different microbiota and the metabolites.

RESULTS

RD-6 inhibited the gastric lesion damage caused by indomethacin in rats, decreased the ulcer index by 50.29% (p < 0.05), reduced the levels of TNF-α, iNOS, MDA and MPO in gastric tissue. Additionally, RD-6 reshaped the diversity and microbial composition, and reversed the reduced bacteria including [Eubacterium]_xylanophilum group, Sellimonas, Desulfovibrio, and UCG-009, and the increased bacteria Aquamicrobium caused by indomethacin induction. Furthermore, RD-6 regulated the levels of metabolites including amino acids and organic acids, and these affected metabolites were involved in taurine and hypotaurine metabolism and tryptophan metabolism. Spearman analysis revealed that the perturbed gut microbiota were closely related to the changes in differential serum metabolites.

CONCLUSION

In view of the 16S rRNA gene sequencing and LC-MS metabolic results, the present study suggests the mechanism of RD-6 ameliorating GU via modulating intestinal microbiota and their metabolites.

Irbesartan reprofiling for the amelioration of ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury in rats: Role of inflammation, apoptosis, and autophagy

BACKGROUND

Pronounced anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic features have been characterized for the angiotensin receptor blocker irbesartan. Yet, its effect on ethanol-induced gastropathy has not been studied. The present work explored the potential modulation of inflammatory, apoptotic, and autophagic events by irbesartan for the attenuation of ethanol-evoked gastric mucosal injury.

METHODOLOGY

Wistar rats were divided into control, control + irbesartan, ethanol, ethanol + irbesartan, and ethanol + omeprazole groups. Macroscopic examination, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and biochemical assays were applied to examine the gastric tissues.

KEY FINDINGS

Irbesartan administration (50 mg/kg; by gavage) in ethanol-evoked gastropathy improved the gastric pathological manifestations (area of gastric lesion and ulcer index scores), histopathological changes, and microscopic damage scores. These beneficial effects were interceded by suppression of the HMGB1-associated inflammatory events and the linked downregulation of the nuclear NF-κBp65 protein expression. In the meantime, curtailing of the NLRP3 inflammasome by irbesartan was observed with consequent decline of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β. In tandem, upregulation of the antioxidant Nrf2 and the cytoprotective PPAR-γ were seen. Together, suppression of the pro-inflammatory cues and pro-oxidant signals attenuated the pro-apoptotic events as evidenced by Bcl-2 upregulation, Bax downregulation, and caspase 3 dampened activity. Regarding gastric autophagy signals, irbesartan diminished SQSTM-1/p62 accumulation and upregulated Beclin 1. This was associated with gastric AMPK/mTOR pathway activation evidenced by increased AMPK (Ser487) phosphorylation and lowered mTOR (Ser2448) phosphorylation.

CONCLUSION

Suppression of the inflammatory and apoptotic signals and upregulation of the pro-autophagy events may advocate the promising gastroprotective actions of irbesartan against ethanol-induced gastric injury.

Gastroprophylactic Effects of p-Cymene in Ethanol-Induced Gastric Ulcer in Rats

The prevalence of gastric ulcers has increased in recent years, mainly because of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug utilization. Therefore, the current study investigates the gastroprotective effect of p-Cymene on absolute ethanol-induced acute gastric mucosal hemorrhagic lesions in rats. Thirty Sprague Dawley rats were randomly separated into five groups: normal control, ulcer control, reference, and two experimental groups. The normal and ulcer control groups were orally fed with 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose (CMC). The reference group was fed orally with 20 mg/kg omeprazole. The experimental groups were fed with 30 mg/kg and 60 mg/kg p-Cymene, respectively. After one hour, the normal group was fed with 0.5% CMC, and groups 2–5 were given absolute alcohol. After another hour all rats were sacrificed. The ulcer control group showed severe superficial hemorrhagic gastric mucosal lesions with decreased gastric mucus secretion and pH of gastric content. p-Cymene significantly reduced ethanol-induced gastric lesions, as evidenced by increased mucus and pH of gastric content, decreased ulcer area, reduced or absence of edema, and leucocyte infiltration of the subcutaneous layer. In gastric mucosal homogenate, p-Cymene displayed a significant increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) activities, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and significantly reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) level. In addition, p-Cymene increased the intensity of periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) stain of the gastric epithelium, and produced up-regulation of the HSP 70 protein and down-regulation of the Bax protein of the stomach epithelium, as well as a reduction in the levels of tumor necrotic factor-alpha and interleukin-6, while the level of interleukin-10 was increased. p-Cymene decreased the level of TNF-a and IL-6, and increased the level of IL-10. Acute toxicity with a higher dose of 500 mg/kg p-Cymene did not manifest any toxicological signs in rats and could enhance defensive mechanisms against gastric mucosal lesions. p-Cymene showed gastroprotective effects that could be attributed to its antioxidant nature, or its ability to increase mucus secretion, increase endogenous enzymes (SOD, CAT, PGE2), reduce MDA level, up-regulate HSP 70 protein, down-regulate Bax protein, and modulate inflammatory cytokines.

Activation of AMPK/mTOR-driven autophagy and inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome by saxagliptin ameliorate ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage

AIMS

Saxagliptin, a selective/potent dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, has revealed remarkable anti-inflammatory features in murine models of nephrotoxicity, hepatic injury, and neuroinflammation. However, its potential effect on ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury has not been examined. Hence, the present work investigated the prospect of saxagliptin to attenuate ethanol-evoked gastric injury, with emphasis on the AMPK/mTOR-driven autophagy and NLRP3/ASC/caspase-1 pathway.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In ethanol-induced gastropathy, the gastric tissues were examined by immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting, histopathology, and ELISA.

KEY FINDINGS

The results demonstrated that saxagliptin (10 mg/kg; by gavage) suppressed the gastric pathological signs (area of gastric ulcer and ulcer index scores), histopathologic aberrations/damage scores, without provoking hypoglycemia in rats. These protective features were attributed to the enhancement of gastric mucosal autophagy flux, as proven with increased expression of LC3-II and Beclin 1, decreased accumulation of p62 SQSTM1, and activation of the autophagy-linked AMPK/mTOR pathway by increasing the expression of p-AMPK/AMPK and decreasing the expression of the autophagy suppressor p-mTOR/mTOR signal. In tandem, saxagliptin counteracted the ethanol-induced pro-apoptotic events by downregulating Bax, upregulating Bcl2 protein, and lowering the Bax/Bcl2 ratio. Equally important, saxagliptin suppressed the NLRP3 inflammasome in the gastric tissue by lowering the expression of NLRP3, ASC, and nuclear NF-κBp65, decreasing the activity of caspase-1, and diminishing the IL-1β levels. In the same regard, saxagliptin suppressed the mucosal oxidative stress by lowering lipid peroxide levels, increasing GSH and GPx antioxidants, and activating Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

SIGNIFICANCE

Saxagliptin may be a promising intervention against ethanol-evoked gastropathy by activating AMPK/mTOR-driven autophagy and inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome.

Melatonin exerts a neuroprotective effect against γ-radiation-induced brain injury in the rat through the modulation of neurotransmitters, inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, and apoptosis

The current study aimed to investigate the ameliorative effect of melatonin (MLT) against brain injury in rats undergoing whole-body exposure to γ-radiation. Male Wistar rats were whole-body exposed to 4-Gy γ-radiation from a cesium-137 source. MLT (10 mg/kg) was orally administrated 30 minutes before irradiation and continued once daily for 1 and 7 days after exposure. In the irradiated rats, the plasma levels of glutamate were increased, while the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels were decreased, and MLT improved the disturbed glutamate and GABA levels. These effects paralleled an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1b, IL-6, and TNF-a) and C-reactive protein as well as a decrease in IL-10 in the plasma of the irradiated rats. MLT treatment markedly reduced these effects, indicating its anti-inflammatory impact. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated a remarkable upregulation of caspase-3 and P53 expression, indicating the increased apoptosis in the brain of irradiated rats. MLT significantly downregulated the expression of these parameters compared with that in the irradiated rats, indicating its anti-apoptotic effect. Oxidative stress is developed in the brain as evidenced by increased levels of malondialdehyde; decreased activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase; and decreased content of glutathione in the brain. MLT remarkably ameliorated the development of oxidative stress in the brain of the irradiated rats indicating its antioxidant impact. The histopathological results were consistent with the biochemical and immunohistochemical results and showed that MLT remarkably protected the histological structure of brain tissue compared with that in the irradiated rats. In conclusion, MLT showed potential neuroprotective properties by increasing the release of neurotransmitters, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory factors and reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines and apoptosis in the brain of irradiated rats. MLT can be beneficial in clinical and occupational settings requiring radiation exposure; however, additional studies are required to elucidate its neuroprotective effect in humans.

Ultrasonically Assisted N-Cyanoacylation and Synthesis of Alkyl(4-(3-cyano-4,6-dimethyl-2-oxopyridin-1(2H)-yl)benzoyl)amino Acid Ester Derivatives

This work represents the use of N-3-(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-3-oxopropanenitrile as a cyanoacetylating agent for the synthesis of cyanoacetamide benzoic acid and benzophenone derivatives by two different methods, namely, conventional heating and ultrasonication. The cyanoacetamide derivatives were subjected to cyclization to produce N-substituted 2-pyridone derivatives under conventional heating and by an ultrasonic method as well. The ultrasonic method afforded the products in less reaction time with high yields and purities compared to the conventional method, as observed from their spectral data. N-(4-Carboxy phenyl)-4,6-dimethyl-3-cyano-2-pyridone was coupled with different amino acid esters by the OxymaPure/DIC methodology under traditional and ultrasonic conditions. Again, ultrasonication assisted the coupling step and afforded the products with higher yields and purities compared to the traditional method. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, NMR (¹H and ¹³C), elemental analysis, and LC-MS were used to determine the structures of all compounds. Finally, a feature of this protocol is exploring the utilization of ultrasonication as an eco-friendly alternative conventional heating method for N-cyanoacylation and synthesis of N-substituted pyridinone derivatives and as a coupling method for the formation of an amide bond, which might be of interest for many researchers.

Effect of heat-killed Enterococcus faecalis EF-2001 on ethanol-induced acute gastric injury in mice: Protective effect of EF-2001 on acute gastric ulcer

Enterococcus faecalis is a facultative anaerobic gram-positive commensal bacterium common in the gastrointestinal tract of animals and humans. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of heat-killed E. faecalis EF-2001 (EF-2001) on acute gastric ulcer using a murine model of ethanol (EtOH)-induced acute gastric injury. EF-2001 (20, 40, and 80 mg/kg/day) was administered by oral gavage for 5 days before EtOH treatment (10 mL/kg body weight). EF-2001 effectively attenuated EtOH-induced gastric mucosal injury with reduced gastric mucosal ulcer and histological damage score. Pretreatment of EF-2001 markedly suppressed the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs; ERK1/2, JNK, and p38MAPK). In addition, EF-2001 significantly inhibited phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and subsequently suppressed the upregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 1 beta, and interleukin 6 in gastric tissues. Taken together, these results suggest that EF-2001 exerts a gastroprotective effect against acute gastric injury, and the underlying mechanism might be associated with the suppression of MAPKs and NF-κB signaling and consequent reduction of pro-inflammatory mediators or cytokines.

In vivo acute toxicity and anti-gastric evaluation of a novel dichloro Schiff base: Bax and HSP70 alteration

Chlorine is shown to possess anti-gastric ulcer activity, since it can inactivate Helicobacter pylori, which is regarded as one of the most common risk factors for causing gastric problems. In the current study, the gastroprotective property of a novel dichloro-substituted Schiff base complex, 2, 2'- [-1, 2-cyclohexanediylbis(nitriloethylidyne)] bis(4-chlorophenol) (CNCP), against alcohol-induced gastric lesion in SD rats was assessed. SD rats were divided into four groups, i.e. normal, ulcer control, testing, and reference groups. Ulcer area, gastric wall mucus, and also gastric acidity of the animal stomachs were measured. In addition, antioxidant activity of CNCP was evaluated and its safe dose was identified. Immunohistochemistry staining was also carried to evaluate two important proteins, i.e. Bcl2-associated X protein (Bax) and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70). Moreover, the activities of super oxide dismutase and catalase, as well as the levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were also measured. Antioxidant activity of CNCP was approved via the aforementioned experiments. Histological evaluations showed that the compound possesses stomach epithelial defense activity. Additionally, periodic acid-Schiff staining exhibited over-expression of HSP70 and down-expression of Bax protein in the CNCP-treated rats. Moreover, CNCP caused deceased MDA level and elevated PGE2 level, and at the same time increased the activities of the two enzymes.

Targeting MAPKs, NF-κB, and PI3K/AKT pathways by methyl palmitate ameliorates ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury in rats

Excessive drinking of alcohol has been frequently associated with gastric injury; however, its underlying molecular mechanisms have been inadequately investigated. Methyl palmitate (MP) has demonstrated marked hepato-, cardio- and pulmonary protective features; however, its effects on ethanol-induced gastric injury have not been studied. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential gastroprotective activity of MP against ethanol-evoked gastric mucosal damage in rats and associated molecular mechanisms, for example, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), and phosphoinositide 3 kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) pathways. The rat stomachs were examined in terms of the inflammatory, oxidative, and apoptotic perturbations. Current data demonstrated that pretreatment with MP attenuated the gross gastric damage, scores of ulcer index, area of mucosal lesions and histopathology outcomes; actions which were similar to the reference antiulcer omeprazole. MP inhibited NF-κB expression, its nuclear translocation, and the expression of its downstream signals, for example, tumor necrosis factor-α and myeloperoxidase besides restoration of interleukin-10 levels. Western blot analysis revealed that MP counteracted the disruption of MAPKs signaling via lowering p-c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1/2 (p-JNK1/2) expression and restoring the phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (p-ERK1/2) levels without affecting p-p38MAPK levels. Additionally, MP improved the antioxidant milieu via diminishing lipid peroxides and enhancing glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, total antioxidant capacity and mucosal nitric oxide. In the context of apoptosis, MP inhibited the cleavage of caspase-3 and poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP) and Bax protein expression with upregulating B cell lymphoma-2 expression (Bcl-2), thus, promoting gastric cellular survival. This was confirmed by MP activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway manifested by enhanced expression of PI3K p110α and p-AKT. Together, the present findings report the gastroprotective actions of MP mediated via its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic actions. The underlying molecular mechanisms involve, at least partly, the modulation of MAPKs, NF-κB and PI3K/AKT transduction.

Gastroprotective activity of a novel Schiff base derived dibromo substituted compound against ethanol-induced acute gastric lesions in rats

BACKGROUND

Basic function of bromine in body is to activate pepsin production in gastritis with low acidity. The present study encompasses a broad in vivo study to evaluate gastroprotective activity of a novel dibromo substituted Schiff base complex against Sprague Dawley (SD) rats.

METHODS

2, 2'-[1, 2-cyclohexanediylbis (nitriloethylidyne)]bis(4-bromophenol) (CNBP) is synthesized via a Schiff base reaction, using the related ketone and diamine as the starting materials. SD rats are divided as normal, ulcer control (5 ml/kg of 10% Tween 20), testing (10 and 20 mg/kg of CNBP) and reference groups (omeprazole 20 mg/kg). Except for the normal group, the rest of the groups are induced gastric ulcer by ethanol 1 h after the pre-treatment. Ulcer area, gastric wall mucus, and acidity of gastric content of the animal stomachs are measured after euthanization. Antioxidant activity of the compound is tested by Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) test and safety of the compound is identified through acute toxicity by [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Moreover, activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), levels of prostaglandins E2 (PGE2) and also malondialdehyde (MDA) are determined.

RESULTS

Antioxidant activity of CNBP was approved via FRAP assay. Vast shallow hemorrhagic injury of gastric glandular mucosa was observed in the ulcer group compared to the CNBP-treated animals. Histological evaluations confirmed stomach epithelial defense effect of CNBP with drastic decrease of gastric ulceration, edema and leucocytes penetration of submucosal stratum. Immunostaining exhibited over-expression in HSP70 protein in CNBP-treated groups compared to that of the ulcer group. Also, gastric protein analysis showed low levels of MDA, PGE2 and high activity of SOD and CAT.

CONCLUSIONS

CNBP with noticeable antioxidant property showed gastroprotective activity in the testing rodents via alteration of HSP70 protein expression. Also, antioxidant enzyme activities which were changed after treatment with CNBP in the animals could be elucidated as its gastroprotective properties.

Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Water Extract of Acrostichum aureum Linn. against Ethanol-Induced Gastric Ulcer in Rats

Acrostichum aureum Linn., a medicinal pteridophyte growing in mangrove forests and coastal regions of tropical and subtropical areas worldwide, has been proved to possess various biological effects. However, the protective effect of Acrostichum aureum Linn. against gastric ulcer still remains unidentified. Therefore, the gastroprotective effect of the water extract of Acrostichum aureum Linn. (WEAC) was investigated in ethanol-induced gastric injury model. According to our results, pretreatment with WEAC (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) could dramatically decrease the ulcer areas and ameliorate the pathological damage induced by alcohol in rat's gastric tissues. In addition, WEAC administration prevented the stomach from oxidative damage via markedly increasing the levels of glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and decreasing the malondialdehyde (MDA). Besides, WEAC pretreatment alleviated inflammatory infiltration by reducing the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) as well as decreasing the protein expressions of phosphorylation of IκBα and p65. Taken together, WEAC exerted potential therapeutic efficacy for gastric ulceration, and this may be involved in the suppression of oxidative stress and inflammatory response.

Neuroprotective effect of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on radiation-induced damage and apoptosis in the rat hippocampus

PURPOSE

This study investigated the potential neuroprotective effect of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on radiation-induced cell death and damage in the hippocampus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Adult male Wister rats received oral treatment with EGCG at doses of 2.5 and 5 mg/kg/d for 3 d before 4 Gy γ irradiation.

RESULTS

The pretreatment of irradiated rats with EGCG significantly ameliorated the increased plasma levels of homocysteine, amyloid β, TNF-α and IL-6 levels and the decrease of dopamine and serotonin. Pretreatment with EGCG also significantly ameliorated the irradiation-induced increase in the 4-HNE and protein carbonyl levels and the decreased antioxidants including glutathione level, and the activities of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase in the hippocampus. EGCG treatment prior to radiation exposure protected against DNA damage and apoptosis in the hippocampus. The increase in the levels of p53, Cytochrome-c, Bax and caspases 3 and 9 in the hippocampus were significantly ameliorated with a significant increase in Bcl-2. These changes were supported by marked protection of the dentate gyrus that exhibited a similar histological structure of the control animals.

CONCLUSIONS

EGCG can attenuate the severity of radiation-induced damage and cell death in hippocampus recommending polyphenols as successful option for protecting against radiation-induced hippocampal damage.

Paeonin extracted from potatoes protects gastric epithelial cells from H2O2-induced oxidative damage in vitro by PI3K/Akt-mediated Nrf2 signaling pathway

In this study, it is aimed to investigate the antioxidant mechanism of new extracts from potatoes. Four pigments, namely, Petunin, Paeonin, Malvidin and Pelargonidin, were extracted from potatoes by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Our results showed that the cellular morphology and cell viability were significantly altered in gastric mucosal epithelial cells (GES-1) treated with different hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentrations over time (P < 0.05). Paeonin presented the strongest anti-oxidative effects on H2O2-treated cells, in both a dose- and time-dependent manner, determined by ARE-luciferase activity and HO-1 mRNA expression. After pre-treatment with Paeonin in H2O2-exposed cells, Keap1, Nrf2, HO-1 and NQO1 protein expressions were remarkably up-regulated. Furthermore, immunostaining of Nrf2 expression was obviously elevated in the H2O2 + Paeonin group over time. The GSH content in the H2O2 + Paeonin group was notably lower than that in the H2O2 + Paeonin + GSK690693 group. Paeonin promoted cell cycle with augmented Cyclin D1 and p27 protein expressions. Moreover, Paeonin suppressed apoptosis with increased Bcl2, total Caspase3 and total Caspase8 protein expressions and decreased Bax, p-Caspase3 and p-Caspase8 protein expression in H2O2-treated cells. These results suggested that Paeonin might exert an anti-oxidative role by activating Nrf2 signaling pathway with the changes of cell cycle and apoptosis.

Low-Molecular-Weight Oligonol, a Polyphenol Derived from Lychee Fruit, Attenuates Experimental Reflux Esophagitis and HCl/Ethanol-Induced Gastric Ulcer

Oligonol, a polyphenol derived from lychee fruit, is produced by an oligomerization process that converts high-molecular-weight polyphenol polymers into low-molecular-weight oligomers. Evidence suggests that oligonol exerts its beneficial effects based on antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study was the first to investigate the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of oligonol on gastroesophageal inflammatory models: surgically induced acute reflux esophagitis (RE) and gastric ulcer (GU) induced by HCl/ethanol. In the in vitro study, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazolin-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging assays were performed to determine the antioxidant activity of oligonol. The experimental groups were each composed of normal, vehicle, and oligonol groups. RE rats and GU mice were treated orally with oligonol (100 mg/kg bw) or distilled water as a vehicle (n = 8 for each group). Oligonol exhibited potent free radical-scavenging capacities for DPPH and ABTS radicals, activities that were similar to those of ascorbic acid. The in vivo study revealed that oligonol consumption significantly prevented RE and GU formation and decreased the gross mucosal injury from oxidative stress. Oligonol decreased the reactive oxygen species levels and elevated levels of both inflammatory mediators and cytokines (p-IκB, NF-κBp65, COX-2, iNOS, TNF-α, and IL-1β) in the RE and GU models. Oligonol had a protective effect against oxidative stress by regulating antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and GPx-1/2) activities in GU mice. Oligonol has potential as a preventive and therapeutic agent for gastroesophageal inflammatory diseases, including RE and GU.

The antiulcer effect of Cibotium barometz leaves in rats with experimentally induced acute gastric ulcer

Cibotium barometz is a pharmaceutical plant customarily used in traditional medicine in Malaysia for the treatment of different diseases, such as gastric ulcer. The gastroprotective effect of C. barometz leaves against ethanol-induced gastric hemorrhagic abrasions in Sprague Dawley rats has been evaluated in terms of medicinal properties. Seven groups of rats (normal control and ulcerated control groups, omeprazole 20 mg/kg, 62.5, 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg of C. barometz correspondingly) were used in antiulcer experiment and pretreated with 10% Tween 20. After 1 hour, the normal group was orally administered 10% Tween 20, whereas absolute alcohol was fed orally to ulcerated control, omeprazole, and experimental groups. Gastric's homogenate were assessed for endogenous enzymes activities. Stomachs were examined macroscopically and histologically. Grossly, the data demonstrated a significant decrease in the ulcer area of rats pretreated with plant extract in a dose-dependent manner with respect to the ulcerated group. Homogenates of the gastric tissue exhibited significantly increased endogenous enzymes activities in rats pretreated with C. barometz extract associated with the ulcerated control group. Histology of rats pretreated with C. barometz extract group using hematoxylin and eosin staining exhibited a moderate-to-mild disruption of the surface epithelium with reduction in submucosal edema and leucocyte infiltration in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, it showed heat shock protein70 protein up-expression and BCL2-associated X protein downexpression. These outcomes might be attributed to the gastroprotective and antioxidative effects of the plant.

Phytochemicals enhance antioxidant enzyme expression to protect against NSAID-induced oxidative damage of the gastrointestinal mucosa

The gastrointestinal (GI) mucosa provides the first protective barrier for digested food and xenobiotics, which are easily attacked by toxic substances. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including aspirin, diclofenac, indomethacin, and ketoprofen, are widely used in clinical medicine, but these drugs may cause oxidative stress, leading to GI damage such as ulcers. Lansoprazol, omeprazole, and other clinical drugs are widely used to treat duodenal and gastric ulcers and have been shown to have multiple biological functions, such as antioxidant activity and the ability to upregulate antioxidant enzymes in vivo. Therefore, the reduction of oxidative stress may be an effective curative strategy for preventing and treating nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug induced ulcers of the GI mucosa. Phytochemicals, such as dietary phenolic compounds, phenolic acids, flavan-3-ols, flavonols, flavonoids, gingerols, carotenes, and organosulfur, are common antioxidants in fruits, vegetables, and beverages. A large amount of evidence has demonstrated that natural phytochemicals possess bioactivity and potential health benefits, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial benefits, and they can prevent digestive disease processes. In this review, we summarize the literature on phytochemicals with biological effects, such as angiogenic, antioxidant, antiapoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and antiulceration effects, and their related mechanisms are also discussed.

The gastro protective effects of Cibotium barometz hair on ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in Sprague-Dawley rats

BACKGROUND

Cibotium barometz is a medical herb used traditionally in the Malaysian peninsula for several ailments, including gastric ulcer. The aim of this study was assessment the anti-ulcer effects of C. barometz hair on ethanol-induced stomach hemorrhagic abrasions in animals. Seven groups of Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were administered 10% Tween 20 in the normal control and ulcer control groups, and omeprazole 20 mg/kg and 62.5, 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg of C. barometz hair extract in the experimental groups. After 60 min, the normal control group of rats was orally administered 10% Tween 20, while absolute ethanol was orally administered to the groups of ulcer control, omeprazole and experimental groups. Stomachs of the rats were examined macroscopically and histologically. Homogenates of stomachs were used to evaluate endogenous antioxidant enzyme activities.

RESULTS

Rats pre-fed with plant extract presented a significant decrease in the sore area, increased pH of gastric contents and preserved stomach wall mucus compared to the ulcer group. Histologically, rats pre-fed with C. barometz hair extract showed mild to moderate disruptions of the surface epithelium while animals pre-fed with absolute ethanol showed severe disruptions of the stomach epithelium with edema and leucocyte penetration of the submucosal layer. A Periodic acid Schiff (PAS) staining revealed that each rat pre-treated with the plant extract displayed an intense uptake of stomach epithelial glycoprotein magenta color compared to the ulcer control group. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that rats pre-fed with the plant extract showed an up-regulation of the heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and down-regulation of Bax proteins compared to ulcer control rats. Homogenates of the stomach tissue demonstrated significant increases in the endogenous antioxidant enzymatic activity and decreased lipid peroxidation (MDA) in rats pre-treated with C. barometz hair extract compared with the ulcer control rats. In acute toxicity, the liver and kidney revealed no hepatotoxic or nephrotoxic effects histologically.

CONCLUSIONS

The gastric cytoprotective action of C. barometz hair extract might be attributed to antioxidants, an increase in gastric pH, stomach mucus preservation, increased endogenous antioxidant enzymes, decreased lipid peroxidation, up-regulation of HSP70 and down-regulation of Bax proteins.

Anti-ulcerogenic effect of KFP-H008 against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer via p38 MAPK/NF-κB pathway

KFP-H008, a novel potassium-competitive acid blocker developed for the treatment of acid-related diseases, has been reported to inhibit gastric acid secretion effectively, while its effects on gastric ulcer have not been previously explored.

Ulcer Prevention Effect Of 3,4,5-Tihydroxy-N0-[(2-Methyl-1H-Indol-3yl)Methylidene]Benzohydrazide In HCl/Ethanol-Induced Gastric Mucosal Damage In Rats

The newly synthesized, 3,4,5-Trihydroxy-N 0-[(2-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-methylidene] benzohydrazide (TIBH), is an indole and gallic acid derivative. The aim of this research investigation was to evaluate the acute toxicity and the ulcer prevention potential of TIBH in HCl/Ethanol-induced gastric ulcer rat model. Six groups of rats were orally received 5ml/kg of vehicle (1 % Carboxy methyl cellulose) for the normal and ulcer control groups each, Omeprazole (20mg/kg) for positive control, 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg of TIBH for experimental groups, respectively. After one hour, instead of rats in the normal group which received 5ml/kg of 1% CMC, other groups received 5ml/kg of HCl/Ethanol. All rats were sacrificed after one additional hour. Gastric juice, gastric mucosa, morphologies of gastric ulcers and protein expressions of both control and treatment groups were evaluated. TIBH showed a ulcer prevention potential by increase of the mucus secretion, decrease of the gastric acidity, up-regulation of HSP70 protein, down-regulation of Bax protein, decrease of the lipid peroxidation and the increase of the Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in gastric tissue homogenate. Acute toxicity assay exposed valuable information on the safety of this compound. TIBH had a dose dependent ulcer prevention potential against HCl/Ethanol-triggered gastric ulcer.

Dhiyaaldeen S, Abdulaziz Bardi D, M. Salama S, Rouhollahi E, Karimian H, Abdolmalaki R, Azizan AHS, Mohd Ali H, Mohd Noor S, Abdulla MA. The Gastroprotective Effect of Vitex pubescens Leaf Extract against Ethanol-Provoked Gastric Mucosal Damage in Sprague-Dawley Rats

Vitex pubescens is a Malaysian therapeutic plant employed in traditional drug to remedy a variety of disorders. The purpose of this research is to assess the gastroprotective efficiency of V. pubescens leaves against ethanol-induced gastric hemorrhagic laceration in rats. Animals were randomly allocated into seven groups and pre-treated, separately, with 10% Tween 20 (normal and ulcer control groups), 20 mg/kg omeprazole (reference group), and 62.5, 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg of V. pubescens extract (experimental groups). All animals were sacrificed after another hour. Histological evaluation of the ulcer control group revealed significant injury to the gastric mucosa with edema and leucocyte infiltration of the submucosal layer. PAS staining, showed remarkably intense magenta color, remarkable increase of HSP70 and decrease of Bax proteins in rats pre-treated with plant extracts compared to the ulcer control group. Gastric homogenates revealed a remarkable increase in endogenous antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, SOD, GSH) and a decrease in the lipid peroxidation level (MDA) in animals pre-treated with V. pubescens extract compared with the ulcer control group. The gastroprotective activity of this plant might be related to increased antioxidant enzymes and decrease lipid peroxidation upsurge of HSP70 and reduced expression of Bax proteins.

Diosmin protects against ethanol-induced gastric injury in rats: novel anti-ulcer actions

Alcohol consumption has been commonly associated with gastric mucosal lesions including gastric ulcer. Diosmin (DIO) is a natural citrus flavone with remarkable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory features that underlay its protection against cardiac, hepatic and renal injuries. However, its impact on gastric ulcer has not yet been elucidated. Thus, the current study aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of DIO against ethanol-induced gastric injury in rats. Pretreatment with DIO (100 mg/kg p.o.) attenuated the severity of ethanol gastric mucosal damage as evidenced by lowering of ulcer index (UI) scores, area of gastric lesions, histopathologic aberrations and leukocyte invasion. These actions were analogous to those exerted by the reference antiulcer sucralfate. DIO suppressed gastric inflammation by curbing of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels along with nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65 expression. It also augmented the anti-inflammatory interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels. Meanwhile, DIO halted gastric oxidative stress via inhibition of lipid peroxides with concomitant enhancement of glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC). With respect to gastric mucosal apoptosis, DIO suppressed caspase-3 activity and cytochrome C (Cyt C) with enhancement of the anti-apoptotic B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) in favor of cell survival. These favorable actions were associated with upregulation of the gastric cytoprotective prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) and nitric oxide (NO). Together, these findings accentuate the gastroprotective actions of DIO in ethanol gastric injury which were mediated via concerted multi-pronged actions, including suppression of gastric inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis besides boosting of the antioxidant and the cytoprotective defenses.