Histochemical and ultrastructural effects of phytic acid on the mucosa of rat ileum treated with meloxicam

ABSTRACT

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs] cause gastrointestinal damage both in the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract. New anti-inflammatory drugs have been developed in an attempt to improve their gastrointestinal side-effect profile. In spite of the numerous therapeutic advantages of meloxicam, it has, however, damaging effects on the gastrointestinal tract. Inositol hexaphosphate [IP6], also known as phytic acid, is a naturally occurring polyphosphorylated carbohydrate that is particularly abundant in cereals and legumes. It has antioxidant, antimitotic, hypocholesterolemic and hypolipidemic effects. The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of phytic acid administration on the injurious effects of meloxicam on the mucosa of rat ileum. Thirty albino rats were divided into 3 groups; the first group [control] was put on a normal diet for 4 weeks; the second group received a diet containing 200 mg/kg meloxicam per day for 4 weeks; the third group received a diet containing 200 mg/kg meloxicam per day followed by orally intubated IP6 three times/week for 4 weeks, at a total dose of 40 mg/kg. Slices of ileum of all groups were taken and subjected to histological, histochemical and ultrastructural investigation. The results confirmed the damaging effects of meloxicam on the ileum mucosa and revealed the ameliorative effects of phytic acid against these lesions