Bupropion Inhibits Oxidant Status and Inflammation in Ethanol-Induced Chronic Gastritis in Rats

Anti-inflammatory activity of bupropion through immunomodulation of the macrophages

Depression might manifest itself with a chronic inflammation in different tissues and organs independent of the central nervous system. Psoriasis, Crohn's disease, and fibromyalgia are among these disorders accompanying the depression. The treatment options for these conditions are a combination of the anti-depressants and anti-inflammatory agents. Bupropion has been widely utilized as an anti-depressant. It has been preferred among the patients with Crohn's disease and psoriasis due to its anti-inflammatory role, as well. In this study, we aimed to decipher its target in the immune system. Macrophages were activated in the presence of LPS and increasing concentrations of the bupropion. TNF-α, IL-6, GM-CSF, and IL-12p40 cytokines' production levels were measured by ELISA to compare it to the control groups. These cytokines have been associated with the aggressive inflammation in different tissues. Moreover, p38 and PI3K proteins' phosphorylated levels were measured to examine whether bupropion acts through these pathways or not. Our results suggest that bupropion had anti-inflammatory action on the activated macrophages and its mechanism of action was partially dependent on p38 but independent of PI3K pathways.

Gastroprotective and Antioxidative Effects of the Traditional Thai Polyherbal Formula Phy-Blica-D against Ethanol-Induced Gastric Ulcers in Rats

Phy-Blica-D is a traditional Thai polyherbal formula that has reduced oxidative stress in non-communicable diseases. However, evidence supporting the gastroprotective effects of Phy-Blica-D has not been previously reported. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the gastroprotective effects of Phy-Blica-D against gastric ulcers in rats and investigate the potential underlying mechanism. To estimate the possible mechanisms of action, we examined the levels of oxidative stress markers, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as antioxidant enzymes, including catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH). According to our results, rats treated with only 80% ethanol (vehicle group) exhibited significant increases in their ulcer area and ulcer index (UI). Moreover, the levels of ROS and MDA markedly increased in the vehicle group compared with the normal control group. Daily oral administration of Phy-Blica-D (500 and 1000 mg/kg) for 7 days not only significantly decreased the ulcer area and UI, but also remarkably decreased the ROS and MDA levels in gastric tissue. Gastric ulcers induced by ethanol had significantly decreased antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT and SOD) and non-enzymatic antioxidant (GSH), whereas pretreatment with Phy-Blica-D significantly improved the activities of CAT, SOD, and GSH. Moreover, after exposure to ethanol, the rats exhibited a significantly increased level of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), which was reduced after treatment with Phy-Blica-D. These findings suggest that Phy-Blica-D potentially exerts its gastroprotective effects by suppressing oxidative stress and stimulating antioxidant enzymes, which is one of the causes of destruction of cell membranes, and it is involved in the pathogenesis of acute gastric ulcers induced by ethanol.