Acute Gastric Ulcer In Rats Research Articles

Rosuvastatin repurposing for prophylaxis against ethanol-induced acute gastric ulceration in rats: a biochemical, histological, and ultrastructural perspective.

Ethanol (EtOH) consumption is frequently associated with acute and chronic gastrointestinal disorders. Rosuvastatin (RSV), a third-generation statin, has demonstrated certain biological functions beyond its lipid-lowering properties. This study is designed to explore the gastroprotective impact of RSV in a rat model of EtOH-induced gastric ulceration in a dose-dependent manner through the evaluation of oxidant/antioxidant biomarkers, inflammatory myeloperoxidase (MPO) enzyme activity, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels in gastric tissues, along with histopathological examination of the gastric tissues. Therefore, 40 adult male rats were randomly divided into five equal groups as control, EtOH (gastric ulcer), RSV-low dose plus EtOH and RSV-high dose plus EtOH. The EtOH rat model of gastric ulceration was achieved by intragastric administration of a single dose of EtOH. Seven days before EtOH administration, rats were orally administered either omeprazole (20mg/kg/day) or RSV (10mg/kg/day or 20mg/kg/day). RSV administration enhanced the antioxidant glutathione reduced, countered oxidative malondialdehyde, augmented cytoprotective PGE2, suppressed inflammatory MPO enzyme activity in gastric tissues, decreased ulcer index scoring, increased the percentage of ulcer inhibition, and reversed the associated histological and ultrastructural abnormalities, additionally, RSV treatment resulted in weak positive nuclear staining for the inflammatory nuclear factor kappa B in a dose-dependent manner. It is concluded that RSV demonstrates gastroprotective potential, attributable at least in part, to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its ability to promote ulcer protection through the maintenance of mucosal content and PGE2 levels. Thus, RSV therapy emerges as a safe option for patients with gastric ulcers.

Protective effect of Albizia chinensis saponin on ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury in rats focus on mucus and mucosal barriers

This study aims to explore the protective effect of Albizia chinensis saponin on ethanol-induced acute gastric ulcer in rats and elucidate its mechanisms. SD rats were deprived of water for 24 hours before the experiment. The control group and model group were administered water by gavage, and the positive drug group received rabeprazole sodium solution(40 mg·kg~(-1)) by gavage. The experimental groups were given different doses of Albizia chinensis saponin solution(3, 10, and 30 mg·kg~(-1)). After 30 minutes, the control group received 1.5 mL of water by gavage, while the other groups were administered an equal volume of 95% ethanol for modeling. After six hours, the rats were killed by cervical dislocation, and the stomachs were collected. The ulcer area was measured, and the ulcer index was calculated. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was performed to assess histopathological changes in gastric tissue. Periodic acid-Schiff(PAS) staining was used to evaluate the distribution of gastric mucosal surface mucus. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was employed to measure the levels of phospholipids and aminohexose in the gastric mucosa. Western blot was performed to determine the expression levels of the bicarbonate transporter, matrix metalloproteinase, and tight junction-associated proteins in gastric tissue. Immunohistochemistry(IHC) staining was conducted to quantify the number of positive cells for secreted mucin and tight junction-associated proteins. The results showed that the gastric tissue surface of rats in the control group was smooth without ulceration, and the gastric ulcer index of rats in the model group was 35±11. Albizia chinensis saponin at doses of 3, 10, and 30 mg·kg~(-1) resulted in inhibition rates of gastric ulcer of 46%(P<0.01), 85%(P<0.001), and 100%(P<0.001), respectively. Severe disruption of gastric mucosal structure and absence of the mucus layer were observed in the model group. Compared with the model group, the Albizia chinensis saponin group showed intact gastric mucosal surface mucus layer, significantly increased levels of phospholipids and aminohexose in the mucus, increased number of MUC5AC positive cells, and upregulated expression levels of the bicarbonate transporter SLC26A3 and CFTR. It also showed decreased phosphorylation of JNK and c-Jun, reduced expression levels of MMP-8, elevated expression of TIMP-1, and increased expression levels of Occludin and ZO-1. In conclusion, Albizia chinensis saponin enhances the function of the mucus-bicarbonate barrier by upregulating the content of MUC5AC, phospholipids, and aminohexose and increasing the expression levels of the bicarbonate transporter SLC26A3 and CFTR. Moreover, Albizia chinensis saponin exerts its protective effects on gastric ulcers by inhibiting the JNK signaling pathway to prevent excessive activation of MMP-8, thereby reducing the degradation of Occludin and ZO-1 and enhancing the mucosal barrier function. In summary, Albizia chinensis saponin exerts its anti-gastric ulcer effects by simultaneously enhancing the mucus barrier and the mucosal barrier.

Antiulcer Effect of Genus Symphytum L. and Portulaca oleracea L. as Investigated on Experimental Animals

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) occurs when open sores, or ulcers, form in the stomach or first part of the small intestine caused by bacterial infection (H. pylori) and/or nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) use. This study was conducted to evaluate the antiulcer effect of some plants including genus Symphytum L., and Portulaca oleracea L. on aspirin‐induced acute gastric ulcer in rats. Sixteen male albino rats (200–210 g b.wt. each) were divided into 4 groups, 4 rats each, one of them left as the control −ve group while the other 3 groups orally administered with aspirin at a dose of 200 mg/kg b.wt., for gastric ulcer induction, one of them left as control +ve and the rest 2 groups were orally administered with genus Symphytum L. and Portulaca oleracea L. at a dose of 100 mg/kg b.wt., each. for seven consecutive days. Body weight gain (BWG), the length of gastric ulcer, the volume of gastric juice, the total acidity of gastric juice, and blood sample were assessed. The results showed that orally administered with genus Symphytum L. and Portulaca oleracea L. significantly reduced the length of gastric ulcer, gastric juice volume, and total acidity of gastric juice, in addition to decreasing total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), RBC, WBC, HGB, and PLT. No significant changes were observed in the pH of gastric juice among treated groups. Moreover, in comparison to Portulaca oleracea L., genus Symphytum L. showed preferable results. Accordingly, genus Symphytum L. and Portulaca oleracea L. could be used as plants as curative agents against gastric ulcer in experimental rats.

Retraction Note: Protective and therapeutic effects of the flavonoid "pinocembrin" in indomethacin-induced acute gastric ulcer in rats: impact of anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms.

Retraction Note: Protective and therapeutic effects of the flavonoid "pinocembrin" in indomethacin-induced acute gastric ulcer in rats: impact of anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms.

Protective Effects of Aqueous Extracts of the Herb of Paederia scandens (Lour.) Merr. against HCl/EtOH-Induced Gastric Ulcer in Rats: Involvement and Inhibitors’ Identification of NF-κB Signaling

Paederia scandens (Lour.) Merr. (P. scandens), as an edible and medicinal herb, is commonly used for treating gastric ulcer in China; however, its mechanistic and effective substances’ studies remain limited. This study aimed to investigate the antigastric ulcer effects of aqueous extracts of P. scandens (PS-AE) and explore the involvement of NF-κB signaling in this effect. In addition, the study aimed to identify the effective substances by exploring NF-κB inhibitors. The main components of PS-AE were identified using an UPLC-MS method. HCl/EtOH-induced acute gastric ulcer in rats, and LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells were used to determine the antigastric ulcer effects of PS-AE in vivo and in vitro, respectively. Histopathological changes of the ulcer tissues were observed using staining methods of HE and PAS; secretions of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress indexes were measured using biochemical test kits; protein levels of NF-κB signaling pathway-related molecules were measured using Western Blot. NF-κB inhibitors’ identification in P. scandens was performed by developing HipHop pharmacophore model, and the results were further validated by molecular docking. In vivo, PS-AE significantly attenuated gastric ulcer in rats; reduced inflammation by adjusting the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels; and induced oxidative stress can be alleviated via adjusting the levels of SOD, MDA, and GSH-Px. In addition, PS-AE may play an anti-inflammatory role mainly through NF-κB signaling pathway. Following pharmacophore modeling and molecular docking, 13 potential inhibitors targeting NF-κB were identified. In addition, in vitro, PS-AE and paederoside could significantly inhibit the activation of NF-κB p65 and the productions of downstream cytokines including NO, TNF-α, and IL-6. PS-AE protective effects on gastric ulcer damage induced by HCl/EtOH in rats, which is probably associated with its antioxidant effect and the inhibitory effects on levels of inflammatory mediators regulated by NF-κB signaling pathway. 13 potential NF-κB-targeting inhibitors are probably effective substances contributing to the herb’s pharmacological effect. In practical application, Paederia scandens, a traditional food and medicinal plant, possessed diversified chemical components and multiple pharmacological activities (anti-inflammatory, bacteriostasis, and antioxidative.). In China, P. scandens has been used as a traditional medicine to treat gastritis for hundreds of years, and it may be a potentially effective dietary product to improve gastric ulcer. This study shows that P. scandens exerts protective effects on gastric ulcer damage induced by HCl/EtOH in rats, which is probably associated with its antioxidant effect and the inhibitory effects on levels of inflammatory mediators regulated by NF-κB signaling pathway, which provides pharmacological justifications for the functional food use of P. scandens for treating gastric disease.

Polyaspartic Acid-Stabilized CaCO3-Containing In Situ Hydrogel for Protection and Treatment of Gastric Ulcer.

The lack of effective oral drug delivery systems to treat gastric ulcer is an urgent challenge in clinical practice. Herein, a gastric acid pH-responsive hydrogel of curcumin/sodium alginate/polyaspartic acid@CaCO3 (Cur/SA/PC) was developed for sustained release of Cur, exerting effective protection and treatment of gastric ulcers. The in vitro gelatinization properties and the corresponding gel characteristics of the SA/PC delivery system demonstrated the successful construction of the in situ hydrogel with uniform strength. The cellular uptake illustrated the successful uptake and sustained release of Cur. Besides, Cur effectively inhibited NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis both in vitro and in vivo, exhibited an excellent pro-healing effect by regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, and alleviated acetic acid-induced chronic gastric injury in rats. Moreover, the relative bioavailability of Cur in the SA/PC hydrogel could effectively increase in the pharmacokinetic study. Importantly, the protective barrier formed by the SA/PC hydrogel could effectively protect against alcohol-induced acute gastric ulcers in rats. Overall, the designed SA/PC oral delivery system is a promising strategy to overcome gastric barriers for oral drug delivery.

Efficacy of a Chitosan-curcumin Mixture in Treating Indomethacininduced Acute Gastric Ulcer in Rats.

Curcumin is claimed as a potent protectant against Gastric Ulcer (GU) induced by strong necrotizing agents, including NSAIDs through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective activities. However, it was found to exert opposite effects to either delay ulcer healing or exacerbate ulcer inflammation through some curative mechanisms differently modified by curcumin dosage. Its ability to inhibit the expression of COX-2 may also delay the healing of NSAIDs-induced GU. Recently, a topical chitosan-curcumin solution has been found to be a safe and potential alternative agent in treating oral ulcer. Therefore, an oral chitosan-curcumin mixture was developed and determined for its efficacy in treating NSAIDs-induced GU in the rat. A chitosan (150 mg)-curcumin (20 mg) mixture with optimal gastric pH was developed. Indomethacin (30 mg/kg) was given orally to the rat and test preparations were administered orally at 5 h later and then every 24 h for two consecutive days. The sum of all gastric ulcerated areas (mm2) for each stomach was used as ulcer index. Gastric pro-inflammatory mediators and cytoprotective factors were determined. An oral administration of a chitosan-curcumin mixture exerted a superior efficacy than curcumin, chitosan or lansoprazole (a standard antiulcer agent) in healing indomethacin-induced GU. It was revealed that the mixture exhibited the highest anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and gastric mucus producing activities including the high potency in down-regulating pro-inflammatory COX-2 and iNOS expression but up-regulating cytoprotective COX-1, nNOS and eNOS expression. The present findings indicated the benefit of a chitosan-curcumin mixture as a potential alternative agent in treating NSAIDs-induced gastric ulcers.

Protective Effects of Radix Sophorae Flavescentis Carbonisata-Based Carbon Dots Against Ethanol-Induced Acute Gastric Ulcer in Rats: Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Activities.

AimTo explore the effects of Radix Sophorae Flavescentis carbonisata-based carbon dots (RSFC-CDs) on an ethanol-induced acute gastric ulcer rat model.MethodsThe structure, optical properties, functional groups and elemental composition of RSFC-CDs synthesized by one-step pyrolysis were characterized. The gastric protective effects of RSFC-CDs were evaluated and confirmed by applying a rat model of ethanol-induced acute gastric ulcers. The underlying mechanisms were investigated through the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signalling pathway and oxidative stress.ResultsRSFC-CDs with a diameter ranging from 2–3 nm mainly showed gastric protective effects by reducing the levels of NF-κB, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) to inhibit ethanol-induced inflammation and oxidative stress.ConclusionRSFC-CDs have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects, making them promising for application in ethanol-induced gastric injury.

Protective and therapeutic effects of the flavonoid "pinocembrin" in indomethacin-induced acute gastric ulcer in rats: impact of anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms.

Peptic ulcer including gastric and duodenal ulcers is a common gastro-intestinal disorder worldwide, associated with a significant mortality due to bleeding and perforation. Numerous efforts are being exerted to look for natural drugs that lack the potential side effects but still keep beneficial effects for treatment and/or prevention of gastric ulcer. Pinocembrin (PINO) is a natural flavonoid retaining anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. The present study was conducted to investigate the protective and therapeutic effects of PINO against indomethacin (INDO)-induced gastric ulcer in rats and the possible underlying mechanisms. PINO (25 and 50 mg/kg) promoted mucus secretion, decreased ulcer index, and inhibited histopathological changes induced by INDO. Further investigation of possible mechanisms showed that PINO significantly attenuated INDO-induced oxidative and inflammatory responses in both doses when administrated before or after ulcer induction. PINO downregulated mRNA expression level of p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38-MAPK) which subsequently inhibited NF-κB activation and inflammatory cytokine release including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1β). Additionally, PINO inhibited apoptotic activity which was confirmed by downregulation of caspase-3 transcription. The current results demonstrated the promising therapeutic activity of PINO against INDO-induced gastric ulcer due to-at least partly-its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects.

Gastroprotective Effect of Acacia aroma Gill. ex Hook. and Arn. Leaves Extracts in Gastric Ulcer Models in Rats

Background: Peptic ulcer is a disease caused by imbalance between protective and aggressive factors in the gastric mucosa. Acacia aroma Gill. ex Hook. and Arn. (tusca) is widely used in Argentinian’s folk medicine for gastrointestinal disorders. The present study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of two A. aroma leaf extracts, 5% infusion and 10% hydroalcoholic extract in experimental models of acute gastric ulceration in rats. Methods: The gastroprotective action of the extracts was evaluated in absolute ethanol-induced gastric lesion models in adult Westar rats through macroscopic, histological and biochemical analyses of the stomach and gastric wall. We also determined the effects on the gastric juice parameters with a pylorus ligature model in rats. Evaluation of the acute toxicity of each extract was performed in adult normal Wistar rats. All results were statistically analyzed. Results: The lowest effective dose was 150 mg/Kg for each extract. Both of them showed a high protection of the mucosa against absolute ethanol. Pre-treatments with the extracts produced a significant increase in adherent mucus. These extracts showed a free radical scavenging capacity and they caused a significant reduction of the malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione levels, catalase and myeloperoxidase activities. The animals presented no signs of acute toxicity indicating a high safety margin for both extracts. Conclusion: This study shows for the first time the gastroprotective efficacy of 5% infusion and 10% hydroalcoholic extract of A. aroma leaves, highlighting their benefits as a prophylactic approach to maintain the integrity of the gastric mucosa.

Evaluation of gastroprotective and ulcer healing activities of yellow mombin juice from Spondias mombin L.

Spondias mombin L. (yellow mombin) is a tree with a nutritional fruit that is commonly consumed in the North and Northeast of Brazil, as the juice of its pulp is rich in antioxidant compounds. This study aimed to investigate the gastroprotective and ulcer healing activities of yellow mombin juice (YMJ) in Wistar rats, and to elucidate the possible involved mechanisms. Phytochemical characterization of the lyophilized fruit juice was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The gastroprotective activity of YMJ was investigated in ethanol (25, 50, and 100% YMJ) and indomethacin (100% YMJ) models of acute gastric ulcer in rats. Then, the effect of YMJ on mucus production and gastric secretions, and the involvement of non-protein sulfhydryl groups and prostaglandins in the gastroprotective process were examined. Moreover, the ulcer healing effect of YMJ was investigated in a model of acetic acid-induced chronic ulcer through histological and immunohistochemical analyses. HPLC results identified the presence of epicatechin (7.1 ± 1.6 μg/mL) and quercetin (17.3 ± 2.5 μg/mL) in YMJ. Ethanol-induced gastric lesions were inhibited by YMJ (25, 50, and 100%) by 42.42, 45.09, and 98.21% respectively, and indomethacin-induced lesions were inhibited by YMJ (100%) by 58.96%, compared to control group. Moreover, YMJ reduced gastric content and total acidy by 57.35 and 71.97%, respectively, compared to the control group. Treatment with YMJ also promoted healing of chronic ulcer, regeneration of the gastric mucosa, and restoration of mucus levels in glandular cells, as confirmed by histological analysis. It also increased cellular proliferation, as demonstrated by high reactivity to Ki-67 and bromodeoxyuridine. In conclusion, YMJ was found to possess gastroprotective and ulcer healing activities that are correlated to its antisecretory action. These results support the commercial exploration of YMJ as a functional food.

Altered Neuronal Activity in the Central Nucleus of the Amygdala Induced by Restraint Water-Immersion Stress in Rats

Restraint water-immersion stress (RWIS), a compound stress model, has been widely used to induce acute gastric ulceration in rats. A wealth of evidence suggests that the central nucleus of the amygdala (CEA) is a focal region for mediating the biological response to stress. Different stressors induce distinct alterations of neuronal activity in the CEA; however, few studies have reported the characteristics of CEA neuronal activity induced by RWIS. Therefore, we explored this issue using immunohistochemistry and in vivo extracellular single-unit recording. Our results showed that RWIS and restraint stress (RS) differentially changed the c-Fos expression and firing properties of neurons in the medial CEA. In addition, RWIS, but not RS, induced the activation of corticotropin-releasing hormone neurons in the CEA. These findings suggested that specific neuronal activation in the CEA is involved in the formation of RWIS-induced gastric ulcers. This study also provides a possible theoretical explanation for the different gastric dysfunctions induced by different stressors.

Potential Therapeutic Effect of Resveratrol on Aspirin Induced Acute Gastric Ulcer in Rats.

Potential Therapeutic Effect of Resveratrol on Aspirin Induced Acute Gastric Ulcer in Rats.

Protective effect of obestatin on indomethacin-induced acute gastric ulcer in rats: role of VEGF and TNF-α

Background Gastric ulcer (GU) is one of the most common disorders that affect the gastrointestinal tract. Obestatin, a ghrelin-related peptide, has been shown to exhibit some protective and therapeutic effects in the gut. Aim This study aimed at investigating the protective effect of obestatin on acute indomethacin (IND)-induced GU, clarifying the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Materials and methods A total of 32 adult Wistar albino male rats were divided into four main groups: control group, obestatin group, GU group, and obestatin+GU group. Obestatin was given by a single intraperotineal injection (30 µg/kg) 1 h before induction of GU by a single oral dose of IND (40 mg/kg). Pyloric ligation was carried out in all animals before IND or distilled water administration. Four hours later after IND treatment, gastric ulcer index, preventive index, gastric juice volume, and free and total acidity were assessed. Nitric oxide, VEGF mRNA, and TNF-α mRNA were measured in gastric tissue, as well as histopathological study of gastric injury. Results IND caused a significant increase in ulcer index, gastric juice volume, free and total acidity, and TNF-α mRNA, with a significant decrease in nitric oxide and VEGF mRNA. Pretreatment with obestatin reversed these effects. Conclusion Obestatin pretreatment showed a gastroprotective effect against the IND-induced GU that can be explained by the anti-inflammatory and angiogenic effects of obestatin treatment and reduction of gastric juice volume, free acidity, and total acidity.

Structure Features and Anti-Gastric Ulcer Effects of Inulin-Type Fructan CP-A from the Roots of Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf.

Radix Codonopsis has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for strengthening the immune system, improving poor gastrointestinal function, treating gastric ulcers and chronic gastritis and so on. In the present study, an inulin-type fructan CP-A was obtained from the roots of Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf. and its structure was confirmed by MS and NMR as (2 → 1) linked-β-d-fructofuranose. The protective effects of CP-A against ethanol-induced acute gastric ulcer in rats were intensively investigated. A Lacy assay demonstrated that CP-A-treated group (50 mg/kg) showed the gastric damage level 1, which was similar to the positive control group, while the model group exhibited the gastric damage level 3. The Guth assay demonstrated that the mucosa ulcer index for CP-A groups at the doses of 50 mg/kg and 25 mg/kg significantly decreased compared with that in the model group (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, CP-A significantly increased the activities of SOD and GSH-Px, and decreased the contents of MDA and NO, and the activity of MPO in gastric tissue in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). The present research reported for the first time that inulin-type fructan CP-A were likely the potential component in Radix Codonopsis for treatment of acute gastric ulcers.

Quercetin attenuates, indomethacin-induced acute gastric ulcer in rats.

Peptic ulcer diseases are common and are induced by many factors, including stress, smoking, and ingestion of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Quercetin is considered to be an anti-oxidant with healing effects on many experimental toxic injuries. The present study aimed to explore the possible effect of quercetin on acute gastric ulcer induced by indomethacin in rats. Three groups received indomethacin (30 mg/kg body weight) orally by orogastric gavage on two consecutive days. The rats received famotidine (50 mg/kg body weight), quercetin (50 mg/kg body weight), or vehicle alone for 15 consecutive days by oral gavage. The control group received no indomethacin but received vehicle for 15 days by oral gavage. The ulcer index, volume, and pH of gastric juice were measured, and the stomachs were examined by routine light microscopy. Compared with the control group, the indomethacin-treated rats showed a marked damage of the gastric mucosal surface and a high ulcer index. In the famotidine- and quercetin-treated groups, significantly increased antioxidant enzyme activities were observed. The congestion, erosions, and necrosis were reduced with mild inflammatory cell infiltration while no major damage of endothelial cells was observed in the treated rats. The findings of the study show that quercetin had antioxidant effect and can protect gastric mucosa against indomethacin-induced gastric ulceration than famotidine.

산약의 조추출 mucin과 saponin이 급성 위궤양이 유도된 흰쥐에 미치는 보호 효과

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of crude mucin and saponin from Dioscorea Rhizoma on acute gastric ulcers in rats. The gastric ulcer group (GU group) and mucin-applied group (DR-M group) exhibited serious bleeding of the mucous membrane of the stomach due to the ulcers, as well as blood congestion for three days. The saponin-applied group (DR-S group) exhibited less mucous membrane bleeding, and reddened and inflamed membranes recovered dramatically within 24 hours. After developing an acute pgastric ulcer, the tissues of the stomach, intestine, and liver in the control group and the DR-M group exhibited edema in the submucous membrane, as well as seri- ous bleeding. However, the DR-S group recovered quickly from mucous membrane bleeding due to gastric ulcer. The DR-M group did not show any notable changes in serum formation or activity of antioxidant enzymes compared to the GU rats. Increased AST and ALT activities were detected from the first day with saponin application in the gastric ulcer rats. As the AST and ALT activities de- creased, the gastric ulcers recovered with the increased activities of the antioxidant enzymes. Accordingly, this study suggest that mucin in Dioscorea Rhizomahas no effect on the recovery of damaged stomachs due to gastric ulcers, but saponin is mainly responsible for decreasing tissue dam- age by activating antioxidant enzymes.

Ganoderma lucidum Pharmacopuncture for the Treatment of Acute Gastric Ulcers in Rats.

Objectives:The gastric ulcer is a common disorder of the stomach and duodenum. The basic physiopathology of a gastric ulcer results from an imbalance between some endogenous aggressive and cytoprotective factors. This study examined whether Ganoderma lucidum pharmacopuncture (GLP) would provide protection against acute gastric ulcers in rats.Methods:Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into 4 groups of 8 rats each: normal, control, normal saline (NP) and GLP groups. The experimental acute gastric ulcer was induced by using an EtOH/HCl solution and the normal group received the same amount of normal saline instead of ethanol. The NP and the GLP groups were treated once with injections of saline and GLP, respectively. Two local acupoints were used: CV12 (中脘) which is the alarm point of the Stomach Meridian, and ST36 (足三里), which is the sea point of the Stomach Meridian. The stomachs from the rats in each group were collected and analyzed for gross appearance and histology. Also, immunohistochemistry staining for BAX, Bcl-2 and TGF-β1 was performed.Results:Histological observations of the gastric lesions in the control group showed comparatively extensive damage of the gastric mucosa and necrotic lesions had penetrated deeply into the mucosa. The lesions were long, hemorrhagic, and confined to the glandular portions. The lesions were measured microscopically by using the clear depth of penetration into the gastric mucosal surface. The length and the width of the ulcer were measured and the inhibition percentage was calculated. Wound healing of the acute gastric ulcer was promoted by using GLP, and significant alterations of indices in gastric mucosa were observed. Such protection was shown by gross appearance, histology and immunohistochemistry staining for BAX, Bcl-2 and TGF-β1.Conclusion:These results suggest that GLP administered at CV12 and ST36 can provide significant protection to the gastric mucosa against an ethanol-induced acute gastric ulcer.

Preventive Effects of Chinese Herb Chai-Hu-Gui-Zhi-Tang Extract on Water Immersion Restraint Stress-Induced Acute Gastric Ulceration in Rats

It is well known that maintenance therapy using Chai-hu-gui-zhi-tang (CHGZT), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been proven to prevent the recurrence of peptic ulcers. However, little is known as to whether or not it has protective effects against acute gastric injury. In the present study, we investigated the preventive effects of pretreatment with CHGZT extract on the development of water immersion restraint stress-induced acute gastric ulceration in male Wistar rats. The CHGZT extract (50, 250, 500 mg/kg b.w., p.o.) was given to rats before they were exposed to 2 or 4 hr of water immersion restraint stress; they were then were sacrificed immediately after stress exposure. Gastric mucosal lesions were evaluated macroscopically, and the gastric mucosal and hepatic non-protein sulfhydryls (NP-SH) were measured simultaneously. The results indicate that exposure to water immersion restraint stress resulted in the development of acute gastric stress erosions. Pretreatment with CHGZT extract caused a significant reduction of stress lesions and an increase in the gastric mucosal NP-SH and hepatic NP-SH concentrations. We conclude that the anti-ulcer response and extensive antioxidant effect of Chai-hu-gui-zhi-tang may be valuable in prevention of experimental gastric mucosal lesions in rats because it possesses preventive and gastroprotective effects.

Influence of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on gastroprotection in stress-induced gastric mucosal ulcers in rats

In the process of evolution a number of complicated mechanisms have developed to protect the gastric mucous membrane, e.g., angiogenesis and stimulation of mucosal growth. The aim of this study was to determine the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) administered intraperitoneally in the gastroprotective response to stress-induced acute gastric ulcers in rats. A dramatic increase in the number of blood vessels was observed when VEGF was injected 24 h before stress exposure. Gastric secretion, depth of ulceration and ulceration index decreased significantly after VEGF application. The results demonstrate the gastroprotective effect of VEGF on stress-induced ulceration.