Ulcers In Rats Research Articles

Effect of supernatant of mesenchymal stem cells on tumor necrosis factor-α and apoptosis protein caspase-3 in diabetic skin ulcer rat model

Objective To investigate the supernatant of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs) on tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and apoptosis protein caspase-3 in diabetic rats model with skin ulcer. Methods 45 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into control group (acute wounds group), phosphate buffered saline (PBS) group and UCMSCs supernatant group. The diabetic rat model was constructed by injecting with alloxan by tail vein and feeding with high-fat diet. Diabetic skin ulcer (DSU) rat model was constructed by scratching a wound and infusing suspension of Staphylococcus aureus. In the control group, the diabetic rats (n=15) were scratched to form a wound and treated by tail vein injection of 100 μl PBS. In the PBS group, DSU rats (n=15) were treated by tail vein injection of 100 μl PBS, and then 100 μl PBS was dropped at the ulcer site. In the UCMSCs supernatant group, freeze-dried powder of UCMSCs supernatant was dissolved in 200 μl PBS, 100 μl of which was injected into the tail vein of DSU rats (n=15), and other 100 μl was dropped at the ulcer site. After 5 days of the treatments, the levels of serum TNF-α were detected by radioimmunoassay method, and the expression of TNF-α and caspase-3 in the ulcer tissues of rats was detected by polymerase chain reaction and Western Blot. Results The levels of TNF-α in the PBS group [(35.9±3.7) μg/L] were significantly higher than that of the control group [(11.4±4.9) μg/L] and the UCMSCs group [(14.7±6.6) μg/L] (all P 0.05). Conclusions UCMSCs supernatant treatments can effectively down-regulate the expression of TNF-α and caspase-3 in ulcer tissue of DSU rats, and play an anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effect. Key words: Diabetes mellitus; Skin ulcer; Umbilical cord derived-mesenchymal stem cells; Tumor necrosis factor-α; Caspase-3

Investigation into the Possible Risk Effects Associated with Drug and Alcohol-induced Gastrointestinal Ulcer in Wistar Albino Rats

Aim: The study investigated the possible risks associated with gastrointestinal ulcer disease by evaluating the biochemical response of three body organs; heart, kidney and liver, in gastric ulcerated rats.
 Methodology: Twenty male wistar albino rats were used in the study. Gastric ulcer was induced in rats with single oral dose of 400 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) aspirin, 80 mg/kg b.w. indomethacin and 5 ml/kg b.w. acidified ethanol (40:60 v/v). Blood samples were collected into heparinized bottle and centrifuged at 4000 rpm for 10 mins to obtain the plasma. Gastric tissue, liver, kidney and heart were also collected.
 Results: Oral administration of 400 mg/kg b.w. aspirin, 80 mg/kg b.w. indomethacin and 5 ml/kg b.w. acidified ethanol caused a remarkable increase in ulcer index. There was observed a significant (p<0.05) reduction in AST and ALT activities in gastric ulceration caused by aspirin (Asp), with no significant (p<0.05) change in total protein (TP) concentration, lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase activity. However, there was increase in creatinine and urea concentration. Acidified ethanol and Indomethacin-induced ulcerated rats showed significant (p<0.05) reduction in all other parameters except ALT and lactate dehydrogenase activities which did not show any significant (p<0.05) change. There was also observed a significant (p<0.05) increase in creatine kinase activity in indomethacin-induced ulcerated rats.
 Conclusion: Overall, the result indicates a link between gastric ulcer and organ toxicity. The use of NSAIDs above the therapeutic doses in the treatment of pains and related illness as well as excess consumption of alcohol is shown to negatively impact the stomach and cause serious damage to different body organs of wistar rats.

Anti-Ulcerogenic Potential of Aqueous Extract of Securinega virosa Leaf in Indomethacin-Induced Ulcerated Rats

The anti-ulcerogenic activities of Securinega virosa aqueous leaf extract on gastric ulcer induced with indomethacin in albino rats were studied. Thirty rats weighing 120 - 200 g were grouped into six groups of five rats each. All groups except the uninduced-untreated (group A) were starved for 24 hours prior to indomethacin administration. After 4 hours of 30 mg kg-1 b.w. indomethacin administration, the groups (A, B, C, D, E and F) received once daily oral doses of distilled water (5ml kg-1 b.w.), cimetidine 60 mg kg-1 (b.w.) and the S. virosa extract at doses of 35, 70 and 140 mg kg-1 b.w. respectively for 11 days. At the end of the treatment, animals in groups B, C, D, E and F were starved for 18 hours then sacrificed. The extract significantly (p < 0.05) decreased gastric secretion volume, mean ulcer index, total acidity, total protein and pepsin secretion relative to the induced-untreated rats. The extract significantly (p < 0.05) increased the gastric pH and total carbohydrate content relative to the induced-untreated. These results were similar to those achieved by treatment with cimetidine. Catalase and SOD activities in the 35, 70 and 140 mg kg-1 bw S. virosa extract-treated groups were increased significantly (p < 0.05) over the untreated group. Similarly, the extract reversed the indomethacin-induced decrease in reduced glutathione level (GSSH) and the increase in malondialdehyde concentration in the serum. The histological analysis showed positive effect of the extract on the indomethacin-induced ulceration. It was concluded that the extract has anti-ulcerative and antioxidant activity in indomethacin-induced ulcerative rats.

Introduction Pages

Notulae Scientia Biologicae (http://www.notulaebiologicae.ro), Issue 2, Volume 11, 2019: The papers published in this issue (http://www.notulaebiologicae.ro/index.php/nsb/issue/current) represent interesting novelties in different topics of life science. Among the exciting researches, we invite readers to find news about: endophytic bacteria - hidden protective associates of plants against biotic and abiotic stresses (review); Occurrence of Salmonella in raw chicken meat from retail equipment and environments in southern Nigeria open markets; fruiting species influence the seasonal use of the habitat by sloth bear in and around Balaram Ambaji Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat, India; age susceptibility of wistar rats to alloxan-induced diabetes: a paradox; anti-ulcerogenic potential of aqueous extract of Securinega virosa leaf in indomethacin-induced ulcerated rats; evaluation of various biological activities of endemic Sideritis libanotica extracts; genetic polymorphism of the wild and in vitro regenerated plants of the medicinal grass Cymbopogon schoenanthus subsp. Proximus etc.

Evaluation of therapeutic potentials of α-Lipoic acid versus stem cells-derived microvesicles against experimentally–induced gastric ulcer in adult Male Albino Rats (Light and Electron microscopic study)

Background: Alpha-Lipoic acid (ALA), is an antioxidant endogenous substance. It is available in small amounts in food. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived microvesicles (MSC-MVs) have numerous paracrine protective effects against tissue injury that are mediated by inflammatory, apoptotic and oxidative stress. Aim of the Work: Our study was done to assess the protective effects of Alpha Lipoic Acid versus MSC-MVs on indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in rats. Material and Methods: Forty adult male rats were divided into: Group I (10 rats) represented control animals, and Group II (30 rats) involved ulcerated rats. The ulcerated group received a single gavage of indomethacin (30mg/kg B.Wt.) and was equally subdivided into: Subgroup ΙΙ-a (ulcerated subgroup), subgroup ΙΙ-b ulcerated rats that received a single intravenous dose of MSCs-MVs (0.5 mg/mL) and subgroup ΙΙ-c ulcerated rats that received ALA (100 mg/kg) orally for 3 days before ulcer induction. Antioxidant enzymes and ulcer index were assessed. Gastric tissue was examined by light and transmission electron microscopes.Results: Indomethacin caused marked damage of the gastric mucosa and ulcer index was significantly higher as compared to the control group. There was loss of the normal histological architecture and inflammatory cells infiltration. Ultrastructure sections revealed increased mucin granules in surface mucous secreting cells. Parietal cells showed dilatation of intracellular canaliculi. In ALA and in MSCs-MVs treated rat groups, there was a significant increase in antioxidant enzyme activities. The structure of the mucosa was significantly improved with a significant decrease in gastric ulcer area. Erosions, necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration were significantly decreased. No major damage of endothelial cells was observed. The parietal cells count and the VEGF -positive cells were significantly decreased as compared with the control group. Conclusion: MSCs-MVs have significant superior therapeutic effects on gastric mucosa against indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer than the protective effects of α-Lipoic acid (ALA).

Chemical characterization and gastroprotective effect of an isolated polysaccharide fraction from Bletilla striata against ethanol-induced acute gastric ulcer

The chemical characterization and protective role against ethanol-induced gastric ulcerated rats of a polysaccharide fraction from Bletilla striata (BSP) collected by ultrafiltration membrane approach were evaluated. This BSP faction was consisted of mannose and glucose at a molar ratio of 2.4:1 approximately, with a molecular weight of 146 KDa. FT-IR, NMR and XRD spectra indicated that BSP faction contained α-Man and β-Glc residues with low overall crystallinity. The polysaccharide exhibited significant scavenging activities of ABTS and FRAP, as well as non-toxicity against human gastric epithelial GES-1 cells. Oral administration with 100 mg/kg of BSP for 3 days continuously could significantly prevent the formation of ethanol-induced gastric mucosal lesion. It could also reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-18, and MPO activity in gastric tissue. Additionally, the BSP faction exhibited antioxidant activity, increased the content of PEG2 as a defensive factor, and suppressed MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway in gastric tissue. These results indicated that the gastroprotective activity of BSP faction could be attributed to the reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress and the inhibition of MAPK/NF-κB pathways. Our results provided substantial evidence that BSP could be a promising phytomedicine for gastric ulcer prevention.

Induction of COX-1, suppression of COX-2 and pro-inflammatory cytokines gene expression by moringa leaves and its aqueous extract in aspirin-induced gastric ulcer rats.

The Moringa plant (Moringa oleifera) is known for its potential medicinal properties and health benefits in addition to its high nutritional value. The current study aimed to investigate the antiulcer effect of moringa leaves and its aqueous extract on pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory mediators in ulcerative rats. Rats were treated with either moringa leaves (10%) or moringa extract (300mg/kg body weight) for 4weeks then treated with a single dose of aspirin to induce gastric ulcer. Moringa leaves and its extract markedly reduced ulcer index, gastric volume and total acidity. Both treatments induced a significant increase in gastric mucosal mucin content and plasma NO level associated with significant decrease in plasma TNFα. Moringa leaves and its extract prompted down-regulation of TNFα, TGFβ1 and COX2 genes expression by 2.7, 3.5, and 8.4 fold-change for moringa leaves and 2.7, and 2.3, 4.1 fold-change for moringa extract, respectively. Moringa leaves and extract treatments altered the COX-1 gene expression levels to near normal values. This study confirms the gastro-protective influence of moringa leaves and its extract on aspirin-induced ulcer in rats as manifested by its significant reduction in inflammatory cytokines and normalization of gastric mucosal mucin and NO level. Overall, moringa leaves powder is more efficient as antiulcer agent than moringa extract.

Expression of miR-217 and HIF-1α/VEGF pathway in patients with diabetic foot ulcer and its effect on angiogenesis of diabetic foot ulcer rats.

To investigate the expression of miR-217 and HIF-1α/VEGF pathway in patients with diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) and its effect on angiogenesis in DFU rats. The serum levels of miR-217, HIF-1α and VEGF were detected in DFU and simple diabetes mellitus (DM) patients, and healthy controls. DFU rat models were established and treated with miR-217 inhibitors and/or HIF-1α siRNA. The ulcer healing of DFU rats was observed. Besides, ELISA method was performed to detect the serum level of HIF-1α, VEGF and inflammatory factors, immunohistochemical (IHC) method to test the micro-vessel density (MVD), as well as qRT-PCR and Western blot to determine expressions of miR-217, HIF-1α, VEGF, VEGFR2, eNOS, MMP-2, and MMP-9 in tissues. The serum levels of miR-217 were up-regulated while HIF-1α and VEGF were down-regulated in DFU patients and rats when compared with DM and healthy controls (all P < 0.05). Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay confirmed that HIF-1α was the direct target gene of miR-217. DFU rats treated with miR-217 inhibitors had decreased foot ulcer area and accelerated ulcer healing, with significantly reduced inflammatory factors (IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6), as well as elevated HIF-1α and VEGF (all P < 0.05); meanwhile, they remarkably increased the MVD in foot dorsum wound tissues and the protein expressions of HIF-1α, VEGF, VEGFR2, eNOS, MMP-2, and MMP-9 (all P < 0.05). Inhibiting miR-217 could up-regulate HIF-1α/VEGF pathway to promote angiogenesis and ameliorate inflammation of DFU rats, thereby effectively advancing the healing of ulcerated area.

Dynamic Analysis of Metabolic Response in Gastric Ulcer (GU) Rats with Electroacupuncture Treatment Using 1H NMR-Based Metabolomics.

Gastric ulcer (GU), a common digestive disease, has a high incidence and seriously endangers health of human. According to the previous studies, it has been proved that electroacupuncture at acupoints of stomach meridian had a good effect on GU. However, there are few published studies on metabolic response in gastric ulcer (GU) rats with electroacupuncture treatment. Herein, we observed the metabolic profiles in biological samples (stomach, liver, and kidney) of GU rats with electroacupuncture treatment by 1H NMR metabolomics combined with pathological examination. The male SD rats were induced by intragastric administration of 70% ethanol after fasting for 24 hours and treated by electroacupuncture at Zusanli (ST36) and Liangmen (ST21) for 1 day, 4 days, or 7 days, respectively. And the conventional histopathological examinations as well as metabolic pathways assays were also performed. We found that GU rats were basically cured after electroacupuncture treatment for 4 days and had a complete recovery after electroacupuncture treatment for 7 days by being modulated comprehensive metabolic changes, involved in the function of neurotransmitters, energy metabolism, cells metabolism, antioxidation, tissue repairing, and other metabolic pathways. These findings may be helpful to facilitate the mechanism elucidating of electroacupuncture treatment on GU.

Pharmacodynamics and Pharmacokinetics of a New Type of Compound Lansoprazole Capsule in Gastric Ulcer Rats and Beagle Dogs: Importance of Adjusting Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

The aim of this study was to investigate the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of a new type of compound lansoprazole capsule in gastric ulcer rats and beagle dogs in order to confirm whether it is more effective in treating gastric ulcers and its rapid absorption. A rat model of gastric ulcers was used to evaluate the anti-ulcerogenic effect of the compound lansoprazole capsule. A fast and sensitive UPLC-MS/MS method was developed to detect lansoprazole in dog plasma. Macroscopic and histological evaluation results revealed that the compound lansoprazole capsule is more effective in treating gastric ulcers as it was able to significantly reduce the gastric ulcer compared to the other groups. Additionally, it was able to enhance the expression of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) and suppress lipid peroxidation as indicated by the reduction of malondialdehyde (MDA) and H+-K+-ATP activity. Furthermore, this capsule increased the expression of mucosal vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and cyclic oxygenase 2 (COX-2). The established UPLC-MS/MS method was successfully applied to the evaluation of pharmacokinetic parameters of lansoprazole in beagle dogs. The results indicate that the compound lansoprazole capsule had an advantage of rapid absorption. This study demonstrated that the compound lansoprazole capsule has better gastroprotective activity and that this might be related to its positive influence on oxidative stress and inflammation. This new type of compound lansoprazole capsule may be potentially useful in preclinical therapy.

Assessment of the Gastroprotective Effect of the Chaga Medicinal Mushroom, Inonotusobliquus (Agaricomycetes), Against the Gastric Mucosal Ulceration Induced by Ethanol in Experimental Rats.

The chaga medicinal mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) was traditionally used to treat various ailments. To establish the pharmacological properties of I. obliquus, studies were performed to show the antiulcer activity of the ethanolic extract. The ethanolic extract of I. obliquus was prepared. The antiulcer activity of I. obliquus was determined using gastric ulcerated rats (ulceration induced by ethanol). The ethanolic extract of I. obliquus (200 mg/kg) did not cause any sign of toxicity or sensitivity to rats when the extracts were administered by oral feed. Oral administration of ethanolic extract of I. obliquus exhibited antiulcer activity in all models used. The ethanolic extract of I. obliquus showed an effective antiulcer activity, which could be due to the presence of various biologically active compounds. This confirmed the traditional uses of I. obliquus in the treatment of ailments.

Protective effect of Cod Liver Oil in Experimentally Induced Gastric Ulceration in Rats

Background: Gastric ulcer is a life style disease, observed when gastric mucosa is exposed to the acid-pepsin mixture (APM) for prolonged period of time. The reason to undertake the present study is based on the scientific evidence that the cod liver oil found to possess a significant antioxidant and protective action against inflammation. However, there was no scientific proof established regarding the antiulcer activity of cod liver oil. As inflammation is one the causes of gastric ulcer, the present work was designed to evaluate the anti-ulcer efficiency of cod liver oil in three different ulcerated rat models. Methods: Ulcer was induced through pyloric ligation, ethanol, and aspirin. The effect of Cod liver oil was evaluated by estimating the pH of the gastric juice, volume of gastric juice, ulcer scores, free acidity, total acidity as well as mucin content in the ulcerated rat models. The degree of ulcer protective consequence was explored by comparing the data with standard drugs i.e. omeprazole and sucralfate. Results: Cod liver oil exhibited a significant mucosal protection and anti-secretory action in all three models. Cod liver oil showed percentage ulcer protection of >50% in pyloric ligation, ethanol-induced and aspirin-induced ulcer model when compared to standard drug omeprazole and sucralfate. Conclusion: The findings from the present study indicated that the use of cod liver oil in gastric ulcer may be beneficial as it showed significant mucoprotective and anti-secretory activity in ulcerated rat models.

Electroacupuncture Against Ethanol-Induced Gastric Ulcer in Rats: Effects on Gastric Contractility and in the Levels of TNF-α

To correlate the effects of the Electroacupuncture (EA) with the levels of TNF-I± and the gastric contractility in both ulcerated and non-ulcerated control rats...

Antichronic Gastric Ulcer Effect of Zinc-Baicalin Complex on the Acetic Acid-Induced Chronic Gastric Ulcer Rat Model.

Background Baicalin (BA) has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Zinc is a nutrient element. Objective This study is aimed at investigating the antichronic gastric ulcer activity of Zn-Baicalin complex (BA-Zn) and its related mechanisms in an acetic acid-induced gastric ulcer rat model. Results The severely ulcerated gastric mucosa of model rats had lower GSH-Px (52.21 ± 7.13) and SOD (7.03 ± 0.10) activity, and higher MDA (2.39 ± 0.03) content compared to sham rats. BA-Zn reduced the gastric ulcer index in a dose-dependent manner, significantly increased SOD activity and GSH-Px level, and reduced the MDA content and IL-8 and TNF-α levels in the gastric mucosa. BA-Zn (6.5 and 13 mg/kg) exerted a greater antiulcerogenic effect than both BA and zinc-gluconate, leading to a reduced ulcer index (18.43 ± 1.11, 15.00 ± 1.44), decreased MDA content (1.33 ± 0.07, 0.63 ± 0.01), and increased SOD activity (17.62 ± 0.11, 20.12 ± 0.32) and GSH-Px levels (102.12 ± 9.11, 120.25 ± 9.07). In addition, our results from Western blot suggested that BA-Zn (6.5 and 13 mg/kg) has a greater antiulcerogenic effect than both BA and zinc-gluconate. Conclusion The BA-Zn complex possesses greater antichronic gastric ulcer properties compared to BA and zinc-gluconate due to its ability of oxidation resistance and anti-inflammatory effects.

Pharmacokinetics of eight constituents in rat plasma after oral administration of Modified Xiaochaihu Granules for gastric ulcer based on UPLC-MS/MS

An ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric method (UPLC-MS/MS) was developed in this study to simultaneously determine the contents of eight effective constituents in rat plasma, including baicalin, wogonoside, baicalein, liquiritin, glycyrrhizic acid, berberine hydrochloride, saikosaponin a and saikosaponin d in plasma of gastric ulcer rats, and investigate the pharmacokinetics of Modified Xiaochaihu Granules. Chromatographic separation was conducted on Zorbax SB-C₁₈ column (2.1 mm×100 mm, 1.8 μm) with acetonitrile -0.1% formic acid aqueous solution as the mobile phase for gradient elution, at a flow rate of 0.4 mL·min⁻¹ and column temperature of 40 °C. Detection was performed in the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode with ESI ion source. All calibration curves showed good linearity (r>0.996) over a wide concentration range for all constituents. RSDs of intra-day and inter-day precision were all within 15% and the extraction recoveries of all the constituents were in the range of 81.92% to 104.8%. The time to peak (tmax) of these eight constituents was (2.69±2.02), (5.17±2.04), (0.25±0), (0.83±0.26), (0.92±0.20), (0.92±0.20), (0.58±0.20), and (0.083±0) h, respectively; the half-life (t1/2) of them was (7.85±0.34), (10.16±2.21), (6.79±0.21), (8.32±0.48), (11.05±1.78), (11.56±3.46), (15.30±1.84), and (5.54±1.91) h, respectively; the peak concentration (Cmax) of them was (55.02±1.67), (213.66±4.62), (62.61±0.69), (68.43±1.42), (62.22±0.39), (30.17±1.89), (61.79±4.81), and (38.02±1.75) μg·L⁻¹, respectively. This established method is simple and accurate with good repeatability and strong specificity, which could provide modern experimental basis for modified Xiaochaihu granules in clinical treatment of gastric ulcer.

In Vitro and In Vivo Study of Argyreia speciosa on Chronic Gastric Ulceration and Metabolic Studies

Chronic gastric ulcer being the most prevalent gastrointestinal disorder is considered a major cause of gastric cancer. Large numbers of synthetic drugs ranging from proton-pump inhibitors and H2 receptor antagonist to cytoprotective agents are available, but they have major side effects. Inadequacy of these synthetic drugs forces to develop new herbal-based drugs active against chronic gastric ulcer. In the present study, antiulcer activity of butanolic extract of Argyreia speciosa Linn. f., Sweet: Family Convolvulaceae (b-ASL) was investigated against acetic-acid-induced chronic gastric ulcer rat models. The effect of different dose of butanolic extract of A. speciosa was studied for antioxidant, anti-secretory, and cytoprotective activities. Extract administration significantly increased the gastric PGE2 content. The further experiments including the in vitro metabolic stability and in vivo pharmacokinetics gave a clear indication that butanolic extract of A. speciosa (200 mg/kg) is an orally active and safe contender of antiulcer agents. It can be an important target for further studies under chronic ulcer management system.

Pharmacokinetics of costunolide and dehydrocostuslactone after oral administration of Radix aucklandiae extract in normal and gastric ulcer rats

Costunolide and dehydrocostuslactone are the main active ingredients of Radix Aucklandiae (RA). An accurate and sensitive LC-MS/MS method was established to simultaneously determine contents of costunolide and dehydrocostuslactone in plasma. There were significant differences in pharmacokinetic parameters (AUC0−t, Cmax,1, Cmax,2, Tmax,1, Vd, and CL) of costunolide and dehydrocostuslactone between RA group and costunolide group or dehydrocostuslactone group. The relative bioavailability of costunolide or dehydrocostuslactone of RA extract was improved. As compared to normal group, the Tmax,2 values of dehydrocostuslactone of RA in gastric ulcer group were prolonged, while the Cmax,1, Cmax,2, and AUC0−t values decreased.

Protective roles of Vigna subterranea (Bambara nut) in rats with aspirin-induced gastric mucosal injury

ObjectiveVigna subterranea is widely consumed as a traditional staple food in Nigeria and some West African countries. The ethanolic seed extract of V. subterranea (EEVS) was investigated for its gastroprotective effects on aspirin plus pylorus ligation-induced gastric ulcerated rats using an in vivo assay. MethodsGastric mucosal ulceration was induced experimentally in Groups 2 to 5 using aspirin plus pylorus ligation. Rats in Group 1 were orally pretreated with 3% Tween 80 only as normal control. Groups 2 to 5 were pretreated with 3% Tween 80 (ulcer group), 20 mg/kg of omeprazole (positive group), and 200 and 400 mg/kg of EEVS (experimental groups), respectively, once daily for 21 days before ulcer induction. Parameters including those for gastric secretions, ulcerated areas and gastric wall histology were assessed. Levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the gastric tissue homogenate were also determined. ResultsPretreatment with EEVS significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the ulcer index, gastric volume and total acidity in rats with aspirin plus pylorus ligation-induced ulcer. The pH and mucus of gastric content increased significantly (P < 0.05) while the levels of SOD and GPX were observed to be elevated with a reduced amount of MDA. Significant severe gastric mucosal injury was exhibited in the ulcer group and EEVS or omeprazole offered significant (P < 0.05) protection against mucosal ulceration. Histologically, the gastric submucosal layer showed remarkable decrease in edema and leucocytes infiltration compared with ulcer group. ConclusionThe study suggests that EEVS offered a protective action against aspirin plus pylorus ligation-induced gastric ulcers in Wistar rats. The protective effect might be mediated via antisecretory, cytoprotective and antioxidative mechanisms.

Protective Effects of Methanol Extract ofVernonia amygdalina(del.) Leaf on Aspirin-Induced Gastric Ulceration and Oxidative Mucosal Damage in a Rat Model of Gastric Injury

This study investigated the quantitative polyphenolic constituents and gastroprotective effects of methanol extract of Vernonia amygdalina leaf (MEVA) against aspirin-induced gastric ulcer in rats. Ulceration was induced by 3 days’ oral administration of aspirin (150 mg/kg body weight). Wistar rats were pretreated with cimetidine (reference drug) at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight and MEVA at 200, 300, and 400 mg/kg body weight once daily for 28 days prior to ulcer induction. At the end of the experiment, gastric secretions, antioxidant status, and histopathological alteration were evaluated. We observed that the significantly increased ulcer index, gastric volume, free and total acidity, malondialdehyde level, and pepsin activity were effectively reduced following treatment with 200 and 300 mg/kg MEVA. The extract also markedly attenuated the reduced activity of superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione level as well as pH and mucin content in the ulcerated rats. Administration of the extract also significantly attenuates necrosis of the stomach tissue of the ulcerated rats. The results suggested that the MEVA leaf, preferably at 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight, ameliorated aspirin-induced gastric ulceration via antioxidative and H2 receptor antagonist.

Comparative study of the therapeutic effect of pomegranate alone or in combination with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on experimentally induced gastric ulcer in adult male rats: A histological and immunohistochemical study

therapeutic effects. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are a novel approach with promising therapeutic potential for curing human diseases.Aim of the work: To evaluate the effect of pomegranate and BMSCs on experimentally induced gastric ulcer in adult male rats.Materials and Methods: Sixty adult male rats were divided into four groups. Group I kept as the control group. Group II (Gastric ulcer), rats received 100% ethanol orally by gastric tube. Group (III) subdivided into 3 subgroups. Subgroup IIIa included rats with gastric ulcer that treated with pomegranate only. Subgroup IIIb, rats with gastric ulcer treated with BMSCs alone. Subgroup IIIc; gastric ulcer rats treated with a combination of pomegranate and BMSCs. Group IV included the untreated gastric ulcer rats. Fundus of stomach specimens were prepared and examined using histological and immunohistochemical techniques.Results: Groups II and IV showed various changes as deep erosion, marked damage of most of the cells. The presence of the inflammatory cells in gastric mucosa were supported by a significant increase of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) expression and collagen fibers depositions (P<0.01). A significant decrease of Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) positive reaction and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression was observed (P<0.01). Subgroup IIIa showed attenuation of some histological changes, while subgroups IIIb and IIIc revealed more improvement of the histological and immunohistochemical changes described before.Conclusion: BMSCs can ameliorate experimentally-induced gastric injury in rats and protect the gastric tissue. Addition of pomegranate to BMSCs can lead to better results.