Ethanol-induced Gastric Injury In Rats Research Articles

Mechanistic Studies of the Anti-Ulcerogenic Activity and Acute Toxicity Evaluation of Dichlorido-Copper(II)-4-(2-5-Bromo-benzylideneamino)ethyl) Piperazin-1-ium Phenolate Complex against Ethanol-Induced Gastric Injury in Rats

The compound dichlorido-copper(II)-4-(2-5-bromobenzylideneamino)ethyl) piperazin-1-ium phenolate (CuLBS) was synthesized, characterized and screened for acute toxicity and protective activity against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury in rats. Gross microscopic lesions, biochemical and immunological parameters and histochemcial staining of glycogen storage were taken into consideration. Oral administration of CuLBS (30 and 60 mg/Kg) for two weeks dose-dependently flattened gastric mucosa, significantly increased gastric mucus and total acidity, compared with control group (P < 0.01). Serum levels of liver enzymes aspartate (AST) and alanine transaminases (ALT), pro-inflammatory (IL-6 and TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines in the rats exposed to ethanol induced ulceration have been altered. Administration of CuLBS showed considerable (P < 0.05) protection against ulceration by modulating the acute alterations of cytokines AST, ALT and stomach glycogen. Interestingly, CuLBS did not interfere with the natural release of nitric oxide. CuLBS alone (60 mg/Kg) did not exhibit any ulcerogenic effect as assessed using Adami’s scoring scale. An acute toxicity study showed that rats treated with CuLBS (1,000 and 2,000 mg/Kg) manifested no abnormal signs. These findings therefore, suggested that the gastroprotective activity of CuLBS might contribute in modulating the inflammatory cytokine-mediated oxidative damage to gastric mucosa.

Dual effects of zinc sulphate on ethanol-induced gastric injury in rats: possibly mediated by an action on mucosal blood flow.

The present study examines the protective effect of zinc sulphate against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal ulcers in rats. Absolute ethanol decreased the gastric mucosal blood flow and produced haemorrhagic lesions in the glandular mucosa. Zinc sulphate preincubation in an ex-vivo stomach chamber preparation prevented the formation of ethanol-induced lesions and attenuated the decrease of blood flow produced by ethanol. Subcutaneous injection of the same doses of the drug at 15 and 30 min before ethanol exposure, markedly reduced the blood flow and also aggravated ethanol-induced gastric injury; however, when injected at 23 and 24 h before ethanol administration, zinc sulphate protected against lesion formation but had no effect on the vascular changes induced by ethanol in the gastric glandular mucosa. These findings show that the antiulcer effect of zinc sulphate occurs only when the drug is given orally, or injected s.c. 23 and 24 h before ethanol challenge. Furthermore, this protective action is probably not entirely mediated by preservation of the gastric mucosal blood flow.

Carbenoxolone gastroprotective mechanism: participation of nitric oxide/cGMP/KATP pathway in ethanol-induced gastric injury in the rat

Carbenoxolone, a semi-synthetic triterpenoid, exhibits gastroprotective activity related to the participation of nitric oxide (NO); however, the complete NO/(c) GMP/K(ATP) channels pathway for carbenoxolone is unknown. Therefore the aim of this study was to examine the NO/(c) GMP/K(ATP) channels pathway as the gastroprotective mechanism of carbenoxolone in the ethanol-induced gastric injury model in the rat. Oral administration of carbenoxolone (30 mg/kg, p.o.) exhibited gastroprotective effect against ethanol-induced gastric injury in rats. Pretreatment with N(G) -nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 70 mg/kg, i.p.); 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxaline-1-one (ODQ, guanylate cyclase inhibitor, 10 mg/kg, i.p.); or glibenclamide (K(ATP) channels inhibitor, 1 mg/kg, i.p.) reversed the gastroprotective effect of carbenoxolone for ethanol-induced gastric injury. Furthermore, gastric prostaglandins and NO levels increased after carbenoxolone administration in ethanol-induced gastric injury in rats. In conclusion, our results suggest that the increase of NO levels in gastric tissue after pretreatment with carbenoxolone activates the NO/(c)GMP/K(ATP) channels pathway, the principal gastroprotective mechanism of carbenoxolone.

Inhibition of endogenous hydrogen sulfide synthesis by PAG protects against ethanol-induced gastric damage in the rat

Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) is a gaseous mediator involved in a multitude of physiological functions; however the role of H(2)S in the gut is far from being understood completely. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of d-l-propargylglycine (PAG), an inhibitor of H(2)S synthesis, on ethanol-induced gastric injury in rat and to examine the role of l-cysteine, exogenous H(2)S, prostaglandins, non-protein sulphydryls groups, nitric oxide and K(ATP) channels in the gastroprotective effect of PAG. Administration of PAG (3.12 to 75mg/kg i.p.) or l-cysteine (0.3 to 300mg/kg, p.o.) exhibited a dose-dependent protective effect after intragastric administration of 1ml of ethanol to induce gastric injury. The gastroprotective effect of PAG (25mg/kg i.p.) was maintained after post-treatment with l-cysteine (10mg/kg p.o.), while NaHS (8.4mg/kg p.o.) inhibited this effect. The levels of gastric hydrogen sulfide were increased after ethanol-induced gastric damage and they were reverted by PAG while prostaglandin E(2) levels in gastric tissue were decreased by ethanol and PAG did not revert to this effect. Pretreatment with indomethacin (10mg/kg i.p.) and N-ethylmaleimide (NEM, 10mg/kg s.c.) resulted in a reversion of the gastroprotective effect of PAG while N(G)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 70mg/kg s.c.), glibenclamide (1mg/kg i.p.) or diazoxide (3mg/kg i.p.) did not induce any changes. These results suggest that ethanol-induced gastric injury is related with an increment of endogenous H(2)S levels, and therefore a decrement of H(2)S levels by PAG is a benefit to protect gastric injury caused by ethanol.

Epidermal growth factor increases tissue antioxidant enzyme activities in ethanol-induced gastric injury in rat

The aim of the present study is to investigate whether the antioxidant mechanisms are involved in epidermal growth factor (EGF)-mediated protection from ethanol-induced gastric damage. Twenty four female Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned into 3 groups; control (C) group (n=8) was given physiologic saline by gavage; ethanol (E) group (n=8) was given 1 ml of 80% ethanol (v/v) in distilled water by gavage and EGF group (n=8) was given EGF (100 mg/kg-body wt.) intraperitonealy half an hour before the administration of ethanol. The protein carbonyl content was significantly higher in the E group than the C group (p<0.01). On the other hand, EGF decreased the protein carbonyl content in the EGF group (p<0.01). Gastric myeloperoxidase activity increased significantly after the administration of ethanol (p<0.01). The administration of EGF decreased significantly the myeloperoxidase activity (p<0.01). Although ethanol caused a slight decrease in the catalase activity, no statistical significance was observed between groups E and C. The catalase activity increased significantly after EGF treatment (p<0.01). The superoxide dismutase activity decreased significantly in the E group when compared to the C group (p<0.05) while it was found to be increased significantly in the EGF group in comparison with the E group (p<0.01). In summary, the present results indicate that the gastroprotective effect of EGF in the experimental lesions induced by ethanol could be attributed to its property such as to augment the antioxidant enzyme activities.

Direct Detection of Nitric Oxide and its Roles in Maintaining Gastric Mucosal Integrity Following Ethanol-induced Injury in Rats

In gastric mucosal injury, nitric oxide (NO) plays both cytoprotective and cytotoxic roles, and the NO level is one determinant of these dual roles. We employed electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR)-spectrometry combined with an NO-trapping technique to directly evaluate NO production in ethanol-induced gastric injury in rats. The rat stomach, mounted on an ex vivo chamber, was perfused with ethanol (12.5 and 43%), and NO levels in mucosal tissues were measured during perfusion. Luminal nitrite/nitrate (NOx) content, mucosal blood flow, area of mucosal injury, transmucosal potential difference (PD), and luminal pH were simultaneously monitored with/without preadministration of the NO synthase inhibitor, NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). NO levels in the gastric tissue increased during ethanol perfusion, and luminal NOx levels increased after the perfusion, accompanying an increase in the area of mucosal injury and changes in physiological parameters. Preadministration of L-NAME aggravated the gastric mucosal damage and suppressed increases in mucosal blood flow in a dose-dependent manner. These results demonstrate that endogenous NO produced in ethanol-induced gastric injury contributes to maintenance of mucosal integrity via regulation of mucosal blood flow.

1,8-cineol, a food flavoring agent, prevents ethanol-induced gastric injury in rats.

This study investigated the gastroptrotective effect of 1,8-cineole (cineole) on ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage in rats and the possible mechanisms involved. 1,8-Cineole (50-200 mg/kg), given orally 1 hr before administration of 1 ml of absolute ethanol significantly attenuated the ethanol-induced gastric injury in a manner similar to nordihydroguairetic acid, a known lipoxygenase inhibitor. 1,8-Cineole showed a tendency to restore the ethanol-associated decreases in nonprotein sulfhydryls, suggesting a possible antioxidant effect. In gastric secretion studies, 1,8-cineole, similar to cimetidine, a known histamine-2 receptor antagonist, demonstrated significant inhibitions of both gastric juice volume as well as total acid output. The protection offered by 1,8-cineole was found to be unaltered by 8-phenyltheophylline or L-NAME, indicating that its effect is not mediated by endogenous adenosine or nitric oxide. These results, taken together with the earlier reports, suggest that the antioxidant and lipoxygenase inhibitory actions of 1,8-cineole are of prime importance in affording gastroprotection against ethanol injury in the rat.

Effect of palm vitamin E on the healing of ethanol-induced gastric injury in rats

The effect of palm vitamin E on the healing of ethanol-induced gastric lesions and various biochemical parameters were investigated. The study was divided into two phases. In the first phase of the study, 42 rats of Sprague Dawley species (200–250 gm weight) were randomly divided into two groups fed with a normal diet (control) or palm vitamin E enriched diet (150 mg/kg) for 3 weeks. The rats were killed after 3 weeks of feeding. Gastric tissue contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), prostaglandin E 2 and acid were measured. In the second phase of the study 42 rats were divided into two groups. Group 1 was fed normal rat pellets (control) and group 2 was fed palm vitamin E enriched pellets (150 mg/kg food) for 3 weeks. After 3 weeks of feeding gastric mucosal injury was induced by an orogastric tube administration of 0.5 ml 100% ethanol. The rats were killed at 1 hour, 4 hours and 1 week after ethanol exposure for semiquantitative determination of ulcer index and gastric acid concentration. Gastric tissue MDA and muscus were measured only at 1 week after ethanol exposure. In the first phase of the study we found that palm vitamin E only caused a significant reduction in gastric MDA. However, it showed no significant effects on prostaglandin E 2 and gastric acid concentration. In the second phase of the study, the mean ulcer index of palm vitamin E supplemented group killed after 1 week of ethanol exposure was significantly lower compared to the respective control. However, there was no significant difference in ulcer index in rats killed at 1 hour and 24 hours after ethanol exposure. The gastric acid concentration was significantly higher in the group treated with palm vitamin E killed 1 week after ethanol exposure compared to control. The gastric tissue MDA was significantly lower in the palm vitamin E supplemented group compared to control. There was no significant difference in gastric mucus content of the both groups. The ulcer healing which occurred in the presence of a high gastric acid suggests that the effect of palm vitamin E on the healing of gastric lesions was not mediated via a reduction in gastric acid nor was it mediated through increasing prostaglandin E 2 or mucus production. The most probable mechanism is via reducing lipid peroxidation as reflected by a significant decreased in gastric tissue MDA content.

Effect of palm vitamin E on the healing of ethanol-induced gastric injury in rats

The effect of palm vitamin E on the healing of ethanol-induced gastric lesions andvarious biochemical parameters were investigated. The study was divided into twophases. In the first phase of the study, 42 rats of Sprague Dawley species(200–250 gm weight) were randomly divided into two groups fed with a normal diet(control) or palm vitamin E enriched diet (150mg/kg) for 3 weeks. The rats werekilled after 3 weeks of feeding. Gastric tissue contents of malondialdehyde (MDA),prostaglandin E2 and acid were measured. In the second phase of the study 42 ratswere divided into two groups. Group 1 was fed normal rat pellets (control) andgroup 2 was fed palm vitamin E enriched pellets (150mg/kg food) for 3 weeks.After 3 weeks of feeding gastric mucosal injury was induced by an orogastric tubeadministration of 0.5 ml 100% ethanol. The rats were killed at 1 hour, 4 hours and1 week after ethanol exposure for semiquantitative determination of ulcer index andgastric acid concentration. Gastric tissue MDA and muscus were measured only at1 week after ethanol exposure. In the first phase of the study we found that palmvitamin E only caused a significant reduction in gastric MDA. However, it showedno significant effects on prostaglandin E2 and gastric acid concentration. In thesecond phase of the study, the mean ulcer index of palm vitamin E supplementedgroup killed after 1 week of ethanol exposure was significantly lower compared tothe respective control. However, there was no significant difference in ulcer indexin rats killed at 1 hour and 24 hours after ethanol exposure. The gastric acidconcentration was significantly higher in the group treated with palm vitamin Ekilled 1 week after ethanol exposure compared to control. The gastric tissue MDAwas significantly lower in the palm vitamin E supplemented group compared tocontrol. There was no significant difference in gastric mucus content of the bothgroups. The ulcer healing which occurred in the presence of a high gastric acidsuggests that the effect of palm vitamin E on the healing of gastric lesions was notmediated via a reduction in gastric acid nor was it mediated through increasingprostaglandin E2 or mucus production. The most probable mechanism is viareducing lipid peroxidation as reflected by a significant decreased in gastric tissue MDA content.

Protective effect of a vasopressin-1 selective antagonist, OPC-21268, against ethanol-induced damage of the rat gastric wall.

Since endogenous vasopressin has been reported to be an aggressor in the gastric mucosa and a vasoconstrictor in the gastric circulation, we investigated the gastric cytoprotective effects of OPC-21268, a newly developed, nonpeptide, orally active vasopressin-1 receptor antagonist, on ethanol-induced gastric injury in rats. The rats were treated with OPC-21268 or placebo 2 hr before ethanol administration, and the gastric mucosa was evaluated macroscopically for ulcer damage, and histologically for gastric mucosal injury. Gastric mucosal blood flow, erythrocyte volume, and erythrocyte velocity were also measured in groups given saline, ethanol alone, and ethanol after OPC-21268. To investigate the role of systemic or locally secreted vasopressin, we measured plasma and tissue (gastric mucosa) vasopressin concentrations after ethanol or vehicle administration. Prophylactic OPC-21268 treatment improved the gastric ulcer score in a dose-dependent manner, and histological examination demonstrated that the drug significantly ameliorated the gastric injury induced by ethanol. The hemodynamic values obtained in the OPC-21268-treated and ethanol-treated group were similar to those in the saline control group, but values were significantly (P < 0.05) higher for gastric mucosal blood flow and erythrocyte velocity and lower for erythrocyte volume compared to the group given ethanol alone. Plasma vasopressin concentrations were not significantly different in the control group and at 15, 30, and 60 min after administration of ethanol. However, ethanol administration caused a threefold increase in gastric tissue vasopressin level (P < 0.05) compared to the control group. These results suggested that OPC-21268 relieved congestive hyperemia in the gastric mucosa and ameliorated the mucosal injury caused by ethanol, probably as a result of inhibition of vasopressin-mediated actions on the stomach. The vasopressin involved was probably generated locally in the gastric mucosa after ethanol administration.

Effects of traditional herbal medicine on gastric mucin against ethanol-induced gastric injury in rats

The effect of the traditional herbal medicine, Rikkunshi-to and its component crude drugs, Zingiberis Rhizoma and Glycyrrhizae Radix, on the gastric mucin was studied using a method developed to separate and quantify the mucin localized in the different layers of rat gastric mucosa. The oral administration of spray-dried extract to Rikkunshi-to (1000 mg/kg), Zingiberis Rhizoma (500 mg/kg) and Glycyrrhizae Radix (500 mg/kg) significantly prevented gastric mucosal damage induced by 70% ethanol in rats. In ethanol-treated rats the mucin content of the deep mucosa was reduced, and the reduction of the deep corpus mucin content was significantly inhibited by pretreatment of Rikkunshi-to and Zingiberis Rhizoma. Rikkunshi-to and Glycyrrhizae Radix pretreatment increased the surface mucin content by 140 and 146%, respectively. The effect on the gastric mucin by each drug differed in the different layers of the gastric mucosa.

Prevention by Rutin of gastric lesions induced by ethanol in rats: role of endogenous prostaglandins

1. 1. This study was designed to demonstrate the cytoprotective effect of Rutin against ethanol-induced gastric injury in rats and to determine whether this cytoprotective effect is mediated by endogenous prostaglandins. 100 and 200 mg/kg of Rutin given orally 1 hr before administration of 1 ml of 100% ethanol significantly ( p < 0.01) reduced the area of macroscopic lesions induced by ethanol (84.16 ± 23.01 and 54.75 ± 16.05 respectively) when compared to distilled water (305.60 ± 67.20). However, it did not induce changes in the amount and total proteins and hexosamines content of gastric mucus. 2. 2. Pretreatment with indomethacin, 10 mg/kg s.c. 30 min before Rutin administration, slightly but not significantly reduced the cytoprotective effect. 3. 3. The levels of PGE 2 present in the mucous material were not significantly modified with administration of Rutin (100 mg/kg). 4. 4. These results show that Rutin has a cytoprotective effect against ethanol injury in the rat, but this property does not appear to be mediated by endogenous prostaglandins.

Effect of tetraprenylacetone, a novel anti-ulcer agent, on healing process of ethanol-induced gastric injury in rat.

Effect of tetraprenylacetone, a novel anti-ulcer agent, on healing process of ethanol-induced gastric injury in rat.