Gastroprotective effect of vanillic acid against ethanol-induced gastric injury in rats: involvement of the NF-κB signalling and anti-apoptosis role.

BACKGROUND: Vanillic acid (VA; 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzoic acid) is a flavouring agent found in various natural sources such as olives, fruits, and green tea. While VA exhibits numerous pharmacological effects, its potential protective effects against gastric injury warrants further investigation. Therefore, the primary objective of this study is to elucidate investigate the gastroprotective properties of VA against ethanol-induced gastric injury. METHODS AND RESULTS: Rats were orally administered either saline or VA at different doses (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg/day), with omeprazole (20 mg/kg) serving as a positive control, for fourteen consecutive days before ethanol administration. Blood and gastric tissue samples were collected one hour after ethanol administration for biochemical, molecular, and histological analyses. Pre-treatment with VA before ulcer induction alleviated both macroscopic and microscopic damage. It also increased antioxidant glutathione levels and decreased malondialdehyde and myeloperoxidase activity, along with reducing inflammatory markers such as tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Additionally, VA pre-treatment reversed the elevation of Bax mRNA expression and gastric caspase-3 levels induced by gastric damage. It also mitigated the reduction in Bcl-2 mRNA expression. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that VA exerts protective effects against ethanol-induced gastric injury in rats. It achieves this by augmenting gastric antioxidant capacity and mitigating oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic damage.

A Rapid Self-Assembling Peptide Hydrogel for Delivery of TFF3 to Promote Gastric Mucosal Injury Repair.

Self-assembled peptide-based nanobiomaterials exhibit promising prospects for drug delivery applications owing to their commendable biocompatibility and biodegradability, facile tissue uptake and utilization, and minimal or negligible unexpected toxicity. TFF3 is an active peptide autonomously secreted by gastric mucosal cells, possessing multiple biological functions. It acts on the surface of the gastric mucosa, facilitating the repair process of gastric mucosal damage. However, when used as a drug, TFF3 faces significant challenges, including short retention time in the gastric mucosal cavity and deactivation due to degradation by stomach acid. In response to this challenge, we developed a self-assembled short peptide hydrogel, Rqdl10, designed as a delivery vehicle for TFF3. Our investigation encompasses an assessment of its properties, biocompatibility, controlled release of TFF3, and the mechanism underlying the promotion of gastric mucosal injury repair. Congo red/aniline blue staining revealed that Rqdl10 promptly self-assembled in PBS, forming hydrogels. Circular dichroism spectra indicated the presence of a stable ß-sheet secondary structure in the Rqdl10 hydrogel. Cryo-scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy observations demonstrated that the Rqdl10 formed vesicle-like structures in the PBS, which were interconnected to construct a three-dimensional nanostructure. Moreover, the Rqdl10 hydrogel exhibited outstanding biocompatibility and could sustainably and slowly release TFF3. The utilization of the Rqdl10 hydrogel as a carrier for TFF3 substantially augmented its proliferative and migratory capabilities, while concurrently bolstering its anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic attributes following gastric mucosal injury. Our findings underscore the immense potential of the self-assembled peptide hydrogel Rqdl10 for biomedical applications, promising significant contributions to healthcare science.

[A Giant Gastric Perforation Occurring in the Normal Mucosa during Endoscopy in a Patient with Advanced Gastric Cancer].

The incidence of giant gastric perforation occurring during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is exceedingly rare. Gastric perforation can arise from excessive air insufflation and is more prevalent in elderly patients with atrophic gastritis. Although giant gastric mucosal lacerations during diagnostic endoscopy have occasionally been reported, there are few reports of giant gastric perforation. The authors experienced a giant gastric perforation occurring in the normal mucosa during endoscopy in an 81-year-old woman with advanced gastric cancer. The patient had reduced gastric extensibility due to the advanced gastric cancer surrounding the entire lower part of her stomach. During continuous air insufflation, only the upper part of the stomach became overdistended, resulting in mucosal rupture and perforation. In addition, old age and the presence of atrophic gastritis contributed to the increased risk of mucosal rupture. The patient was treated successfully with endoscopic clips. This paper reports this case with a review of the relevant literature.

Molecular Mechanism of Cinnamomum cassia against Gastric Damage and Identification of Active Compounds.

Cinnamomum cassia is a natural product found in plants that has been used as a folk remedy for inflammation. In this study, we investigated the mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of C. cassia extract (ECC) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced murine RAW 264.7 cells, in comparison with 4-hydroxycinnamaldehyde, a C. cassia extract component. ECC and 4-hydroxycinnamaldehyde inhibited the production of nitrite oxide in a dose-dependent manner and did not show any change in cellular toxicity when treated with the same dose as that used in the nitrite assay. Moreover, they attenuated ROS accumulation after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. ECC and 4-hydroxycinnamaldehyde decreased the mRNA and protein expression levels of inflammatory mediators (iNOS and COX-2) and cytokines such as TNF and IL-6. We also found that ECC and 4-hydroxycinnamaldehyde mitigated the phosphorylation of ERK, JNK, and transcription factors, such as NF-κB and STAT3, suppressing NF-κB nuclear translocation in LPS-activated macrophages. In addition, administration of ECC in a Sprague Dawley rat model of acute gastric injury caused by indomethacin significantly increased the gastric mucus volume. Analysis of serum and tissue levels of inflammatory mediators revealed a significant decrease in serum PGE2 and myeloperoxidase levels and a reduction in gastric iNOS, COX-2, and p65 protein levels. Collectively, these results suggest that ECC has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and is a potential candidate for curing gastritis.

ANKRD22 is a novel therapeutic target for gastric mucosal injury.

Ankyrin repeat domain 22 (ANKRD22) is a nuclear-encoded mitochondrial membrane protein that is highly expressed in normal gastric mucosal epithelial cells and activated macrophages. As a regulator of mitochondrial Ca2+, ANKRD22 could help repair damaged gastric mucosa by promoting the mobilization of LGR5+ gastric epithelial cells via the upregulation of Wnt/ß-catenin pathway activity in a mouse model. Furthermore, the inhibition of ANKRD22 alleviated the macrophage activation-mediated inflammatory response by reducing the phosphorylation of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT). ANKRD22 plays a significant role in the repair of gastric mucosal damage and may become an ideal novel target for the treatment of gastric mucosal injury. However, there is no systematic introduction to ANKRD22 targeting. Therefore, we wrote this review to elaborate the functional mechanism of ANKRD22 in gastric mucosal injury and to analyze its potential application value in clinical therapy.

An aqueous extract from Artemisia capillaris inhibits acute gastric injury through mucosal stabilization.

BACKGROUND: Artemisia capillaris is among the most abundantly used traditional medicines, utilized in East Asia to treat diverse illnesses, including gastrointestinal tract diseases. We previously reported that an aqueous extract of A. capillaris (AEAC) inhibited gastric inflammation induced by HCl/ethanol via reactive oxygen species scavenging and NF-κB downregulation. To date, the pharmacological potential of AEAC for promoting mucosal integrity has not been studied. RESULTS: Here, we report that a single treatment with AEAC increased mucus production, and repeated administration of AEAC abolished HCl/ethanol-induced mucosal injury in vivo. Single- and multiple-dose AEAC treatments measurably increased the expression of mucosal stabilizing factors in vivo, including mucin (MUC) 5 AC, MUC6, and trefoil factor (TFF) 1 and TFF2 (but not TFF3). AEAC also induced mucosal stabilizing factors in both SNU-601 cells and RGM cells through phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases. CONCLUSION: Taken together, our results suggest that AEAC protects against HCl/ethanol-induced gastritis by upregulating MUCs and TFFs and stabilizing the mucosal epithelium. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Gastric acid-response chitosan/alginate/tilapia collagen peptide composite hydrogel: Protection effects on alcohol-induced gastric mucosal injury.

Long-term excessive alcohol intake can easily lead to gastritis, gastric ulcer, and gastric bleeding. In this paper, the gastric acid-responsive hydrogel of CS-NAC/alginate/tilapia collagen peptide (CS-NAC/ALG/TCP) was developed. Its structure and properties were determined. The alcohol-induced gastric mucosal injury models in mice were established to evaluate the protective effects of CS-NAC/ALG/TCP. The results showed that CS-NAC/ALG/TCP was successfully fabricated, and it showed a sustained release of TCP, strong mucoadhesion, and excellent biodegradability in vitro. In the animal experiments, CS-NAC/ALG/TCP improved the oxidative stress status of the gastric mucosa by increasing the levels of SOD, GSH, and CAT in tissues. It also down-regulated the expression of MPO, TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6, and increased the production of gastric protective factors such as PGE2 and NO in mouse stomach, thereby reducing the alcohol-induced inflammation and protecting the gastric mucosal injury. Besides, CS-NAC/ALG/TCP can also increase the activities of alcohol metabolism enzymes to improve alcohol metabolism, thereby reducing alcoholic damage. In conclusion, CS-NAC/ALG/TCP is a promising candidate for the treatment of alcohol-induced gastric injury.

Antiradical and antiulcer effect of Sonneratia apetala Buch-Ham leaves against alcohol induced gastric mucosal injury / Efecto antirradical y antiulceroso de las hojas de Sonneratia apetala Buch-Ham contra la lesión de la mucosa gástrica inducida por el alcohol

Introducción: Sonneratia apetala Buch-Ham es un verdadero habitante de los manglares en Sunderban indio y se utiliza en la medicina popular para los trastornos digestivos. Método: El extracto hidrometanólico (20:80) de hojas de Sonneratia apetala (SA) se estandarizó químicamente por HPTLC y se evaluó por sus propiedades antirradicales y gastroprotectoras. Se determinaron los fenólicos y flavonoides presentes en SA y se evaluaron las actividades antirradicales mediante métodos in vitro como, DPPH (1,1-difenil-2-picrilhidrazilo), óxidos nítricos, superóxidos, hidroxilo y ABTS (2,2 / -azino-bis- Ácido 3-etilbenztiazolin-6-sulfónico). Además, se evaluó la eficacia gastroprotectora de SA en la ulceración oxidativa inducida por alcohol (50% v / v, 5 ml / kg) en ratas. Resultados: El SA químicamente estandarizado mostró presencia de compuestos polifenólicos. También mostró fuertes propiedades antirradicales. Las administraciones orales de SA (125 mg / kg y 250 mg / kg) protegieron significativamente la membrana mucosa gástrica del daño ulcerativo causado por el alcohol, similar al omeprazol (20 mg / kg) en ratas. Además, el tratamiento con SA redujo significativamente la elevación de los peróxidos de lípidos; mientras que aumentó la concentración de glutatión y catalasa en la mucosa gástrica con respecto a las ratas de control no tratadas inducidas por etanol. Conclusiones: Los resultados obtenidos de este estudio sugieren que la hoja de Sonneratia apetala tiene propiedades antioxidantes y tiene capacidad para proteger la lesión de la mucosa gástrica causada por la ingestión de alcohol. (AU)

Introduction: Sonneratia apetala Buch-Ham is a true mangrove inhabitant in Indian Sunderban and it is used in folk medicine for digestive disorders. Method: Hydro-methanolic (20:80) extract of Sonneratia apetala leaves (SA) was chemically standardized by HPTLC and evaluated for its antiradical and gastro-protective properties. Phenolics and flavonoids present in SA were determined and antiradical activities were assessed by in vitro methods like, DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl), nitric oxides, superoxides, hydroxyl and ABTS (2,2/-azino-bis-3-ethyl benzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid). Further, gastro-protective efficacy of SA was assessed in alcohol (50% v/v, 5 ml/kg) induced oxidative ulceration in rats. Results: Chemically standardized SA exhibited presence of polyphenolic compounds. It also showed strong antiradical properties. Oral administrations of SA (125 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg) significantly protected gastric mucosal membrane from ulcerative damage caused by alcohol, similar to Omeprazole (20 mg/kg) in rats. Moreover, SA treatment significantly reduced the elevation of lipid peroxides; while enhanced the concentration of glutathione and catalase in gastric mucosa in respect to ethanol induced untreated control rats. Conclusions The results obtained from this study suggest Sonneratia apetala leaf has antioxidant properties and has capabilities to protect gastric mucosal injury caused by alcohol ingestion. (AU)

Amelioration of alcohol­induced gastric mucosa damage by oral administration of food­polydeoxyribonucleotides.

Gastritis refers to inflammation caused by injury to the gastric epithelium, which is usually due to excessive alcohol consumption and prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti­inflammatory drugs. Millions of individuals worldwide suffer from this disease. However, the lack of safe and promising treatments makes it urgent to explore and develop leads from natural resources. Therefore, food as medicine may be the best approach for the treatment of these disorders. The present study described the protective effects of food­polydeoxyribonucleotides (f­PDRNs) in a rat model of gastric mucosal injury induced by HCl­EtOH. Administration of f­PDRN was performed with low­PRF002 (26 mg/kg/day), medium­PRF002 (52 mg/kg/day) and high­PRF002 (78 mg/kg/day) on the day of autopsy. The site of damage to the mucous membrane was also analysed. In addition, an increase in gastric juice pH, total acidity of gastric juice and decrease in gastric juice secretion were confirmed, and gastric juice secretion­related factors corresponding to the administration of f­PDRN were analysed. Administration of f­PDRN reduced the mRNA expression of histamine H2 receptor, muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M3, cholecystokinin 2 receptor and H+/K+ ATPase related to gastric acid secretion and downregulation of histamine, myeloperoxidase and cyclic adenosine monophosphate. In addition, it was histologically confirmed that the loss of epithelial cells and the distortion of the mucosa were recovered in the group in which f­PDRN was administered compared to the model group with gastric mucosa damage. In summary, the present study suggested that f­PDRN has therapeutic potential and may have beneficial effects if taken regularly as a food supplement.

Structural characterization of a polysaccharide from Radix Hedysari and its protective effects against H2O2-induced injury in human gastric epithelium cells.

The gastroprotective effects of polysaccharides had become a hot topic in the field of functional polysaccharides research. Three polysaccharides, namely HPS-80-1, HPS-80-2, and HPS-80-3 were purified by DEAE-52 column chromatography. The thermodynamic characteristics, scanning electron microscopy, and Congo red experimental results of the above polysaccharides were greatly distinctive. Then a mature GES-1 oxidative stress cell model induced by H2O2 was established to screen out subsequent research subjects. It turned out that HPS-80-1 had a desirable protective effect, which was confirmed by analyses of cell cycle & apoptosis, and oxidative stress-related factors in the cell culture media, and so on. Furthermore, Structural features demonstrated that the backbone of HPS-80-1 appeared to mainly consist of →4)-α-D-Glcp-(1→, →4,6)-ß-L-Glcp-(1→, and →6)-α-D-Galp-(1→, with branches at O-1, O-4, and O-6 position consisting of →2,4)-ß-D-Rhap-(1→, →1)-α-D-Galp-(4→, and →3,4)-α-D-Manp-(1→. It was speculated that the excellent gastric mucosal protective activity of HPS-80-1 may be due to the high amount of glucose in the backbone. In addition, it was also related to the anti-inflammatory activity and antioxidant bases such as (1 â†’ 4)-Glcp and (1 â†’ 6)-Galp in the structure of HPS-80-1. These findings provide a scientific basis for further utilization of polysaccharides from Radix Hedysari.

ZINC40099027 Promotes Gastric Mucosal Repair in Ongoing Aspirin-Associated Gastric Injury by Activating Focal Adhesion Kinase.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs cause gastric ulcers and gastritis. No drug that treats GI injury directly stimulates mucosal healing. ZINC40099027 (ZN27) activates focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and heals acute indomethacin-induced small bowel injury. We investigated the efficacy of ZN27 in rat and human gastric epithelial cells and ongoing aspirin-associated gastric injury. ZN27 (10 nM) stimulated FAK activation and wound closure in rat and human gastric cell lines. C57BL/6J mice were treated with 300 mg/kg/day aspirin for five days to induce ongoing gastric injury. One day after the initial injury, mice received 900 µg/kg/6 h ZN27, 10 mg/kg/day omeprazole, or 900 µg/kg/6 h ZN27 plus 10 mg/kg/day omeprazole. Like omeprazole, ZN27 reduced gastric injury vs. vehicle controls. ZN27-treated mice displayed better gastric architecture, with thicker mucosa and less hyperemia, inflammation, and submucosal edema, and lost less weight than vehicle controls. Gastric pH, serum creatinine, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and renal and hepatic histology were unaffected by ZN27. Blinded scoring of pFAK-Y-397 immunoreactivity at the edge of ZN27-treated lesions demonstrated increased FAK activation, compared to vehicle-treated lesions, confirming target activation in vivo. These results suggest that ZN27 ameliorates ongoing aspirin-associated gastric mucosal injury by a pathway involving FAK activation. ZN27-derivatives may be useful to promote gastric mucosal repair.

Activation of transient receptor potential vanilloid channel 4 contributes to the development of ethanol-induced gastric injury in mice.

The transient receptor potential vanilloid channel 4 (TRPV4) is associated with the development of several pathologies, particularly gastric disorders. However, there are no studies associating this receptor with the pathophysiology of gastric erosions. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of TRPV4 in the development of ethanol-induced gastric damage in vivo. Gastric lesions were induced by ethanol in Swiss mice pretreated with TRPV4 antagonists, GSK2193874 (0.1; 0.3 and 0.9 mg/kg) or Ruthenium red (0.03; 0.1 or 0.3 mg/kg) or its agonist, GSK1016790A (0.9 mg/kg). Gastric mucosal samples were taken for histopathology, immunohistochemistry, atomic force microscopy and evaluation of antioxidant parameters. The gastric mucus content and TRPV4 mRNA expression were analyzed. Ethanol exposure induced upregulation of gastric mRNA and protein expression of TRPV4. TRPV4 blockade promoted gastroprotection against ethanol-induced injury on macro- and microscopic levels, leading to reduced hemorrhage, cell loss and edema and enhanced gastric mucosal integrity. Moreover, an increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) activity was observed, followed by a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. TRPV4 blockade during alcohol challenge reestablished gastric mucus content. The combination of TRPV4 agonist and ethanol revealed macroscopic exacerbation of gastric damage area. Our results confirmed the association of TRPV4 with the development of gastric injury, showing the importance of this receptor for further investigations in the field of gastrointestinal pathophysiology and pharmacology.

Protective effect against gastric mucosa injury of a sulfated agaran from Acanthophora spicifera.

In this study, a polysaccharide from marine alga Acanthophora spicifera (PAs) was isolated and structurally characterized. Its protective potential against chemically-induced gastric mucosa injury was evaluated. The gel permeation chromatography experiments and spectroscopy spectrum showed that PAs is a sulfated polysaccharide with a high molecular mass (6.98 × 105g/mol) and degree of sulfation of 1.23, exhibiting structural characteristic typical of an agar-type polysaccharide. Experimental results demonstrated that PAs reduced the hemorrhagic gastric injury, in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, PAs reduced the intense gastric oxidative stress, measured by glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. PAs also prevented the reduction of mucus levels adhered to the gastric mucosa, promoted by the aggressive effect of ethanol. In summary, the sulfated polysaccharide from A. spicifera protected the gastric mucosa through the prevention of lipid peroxidation and enhanced the defense mechanisms of the gastric mucosa, suggesting as a promising functional food as gastroprotective agent.

ZINC40099027 activates human focal adhesion kinase by accelerating the enzymatic activity of the FAK kinase domain.

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) regulates gastrointestinal epithelial restitution and healing. ZINC40099027 (Zn27) activates cellular FAK and promotes intestinal epithelial wound closure in vitro and in mice. However, whether Zn27 activates FAK directly or indirectly remains unknown. We evaluated Zn27 potential modulation of the key phosphatases, PTP-PEST, PTP1B, and SHP2, that inactivate FAK, and performed in vitro kinase assays with purified FAK to assess direct Zn27-FAK interaction. In human Caco-2 cells, Zn27-stimulated FAK-Tyr-397 phosphorylation despite PTP-PEST inhibition and did not affect PTP1B-FAK interaction or SHP2 activity. Conversely, in vitro kinase assays demonstrated that Zn27 directly activates both full-length 125 kDa FAK and its 35 kDa kinase domain. The ATP-competitive FAK inhibitor PF573228 reduced basal and ZN27-stimulated FAK phosphorylation in Caco-2 cells, but Zn27 increased FAK phosphorylation even in cells treated with PF573228. Increasing PF573228 concentrations completely prevented activation of 35 kDa FAK in vitro by a normally effective Zn27 concentration. Conversely, increasing Zn27 concentrations dose-dependently activated kinase activity and overcame PF573228 inhibition of FAK, suggesting the direct interactions of Zn27 with FAK may be competitive. Zn27 increased the maximal activity (Vmax ) of FAK. The apparent Km of the substrate also increased under laboratory conditions less relevant to intracellular ATP concentrations. These results suggest that Zn27 is highly potent and enhances FAK activity via allosteric interaction with the FAK kinase domain to increase the Vmax of FAK for ATP. Understanding Zn27 enhancement of FAK activity will be important to redesign and develop a clinical drug that can promote mucosal wound healing.

Evaluation of the gastroprotective effects of Chihuahua propolis on indomethacin- induced gastric ulcers in mouse.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the gastroprotective activity of a Mexican propolis on indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers in a mouse model. The following contents of the ethanolic extract of propolis of Chihuahua (EEPCh) were determined: antioxidant activity (SA50), total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and chemical composition by HPLC-DAD and HPLC-MS, as well as acute toxicity by OECD Guideline 423. Gastric lesions were induced by intragastric indomethacin treatment in male ICR mice. As the positive control, omeprazole was administered, and three doses of EEPCh were evaluated (50, 150 and 300 mg/kg). Gastric mucosal injury, histological changes and mucosal content were evaluated by means of H&E and PAS staining. For homogenized gastric tissues, the following were evaluated: TBARS, MPO, and PGE2 levels; SOD and GPx antioxidant enzymatic activity; and the concentrations of the proinflammatory cytokines, TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6. EEPCh had a significant SA50 of 41.55 µg/mL. The TPC of EEPCh was 860 mg GAE/g, and its TFC was 49.58 mg QE/g. Different phenolic compounds were identified in the extract and were not toxic. The EEPCh doses decreased mucosal damage and histological injuries, maintained the mucosal content and reduced the TBARS, MPO and concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines in gastric ulcer tissues. The 150 and 300 mg/kg doses increased the SOD activity and maintained the PGE2 content. Only the 300 mg/kg dose increased the GPx activity. The results of this study suggest that EEPCh displays gastroprotective effects by means of its antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory effects and promotes ulcer protection through the maintenance of mucosal content and PGE2 levels.

Royal jelly attenuates gastric mucosal injury in a rat ethanol-induced gastric injury model.

The aim of the study was to investigate traditionally used Royal Jelly (RJ) for treating an ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model in rats. A total of 32 Wistar albino male rats were divided into 4 groups of 8: group I = Control, group II = Ethanol, group III = RJ + Ethanol, and group IV = Lansoprazole + Ethanol. In groups II, III, and IV, animals were administered 1 ml of absolute ethanol orally after a 24-h fast to induce ulcer formation. The histopathological changes in the gastric mucosa were determined using hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining. Immunohistochemically, inducible nitric oxide (iNOS) and nuclear factor kappa beta (Nf-κß) markings were evaluated in gastric tissue. Cell death in the gastric mucosa was determined by the TUNEL method. Oxidative status markers, superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels were determined spectrophotometrically. Expression of the interleukin - 1 beta (IL-1ß) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) genes in gastric tissues was determined by real-time PCR; and TNF-α, IL-10, and IL-1ß levels were determined. RJ was found to inhibit iNOS and Nf-κß activity in the gastric mucosa and prevent epithelial cell apoptosis. In particular, pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1ß levels were significantly decreased in the RJ + Ethanol group compared to the Ethanol group. In addition, a decrease in the MPO level indicated that RJ prevented tissue damage, especially by preventing inflammatory cell infiltration. The study demonstrated a possible gastroprotective effect of RJ in a rat ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model.

Antiulcer Activity of Steamed Ginger Extract against Ethanol/HCl-Induced Gastric Mucosal Injury in Rats.

Ginger (Zingiber officianale), the most widely consumed species, is traditionally used as a folk medicine to treat some inflammatory diseases in China and Korea. However, the functional activity of steamed ginger extract on gastric ulcers has not been previously explored. The present study aimed to investigate antiulcer activity of steamed ginger extract (GGE03) against ethanol (EtOH)/HCl-induced gastric ulcers in a rat model. GGE03 (100 mg/kg) was orally administered for 14 days to rats before oral intubation of an EtOH/HCl mixture to induce gastric damage. Pretreatment with GGE03 markedly protected the formation of microscopic pathological damage in the gastric mucosa. Further, administration of GGE03 significantly increased mucosal total nitrate/nitrite production in gastric tissues, and elevated total GSH content, catalase activity and superoxide dismutase (SOD) expression as well as decreasing lipid peroxidation and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. Underlying protective mechanisms were examined by assessing inflammation-related genes, including nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and pro-inflammatory cytokines levels. GGE03 administration significantly reduced the expression of NF-κB and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Our findings suggest that GGE03 possesses antiulcer activity by attenuating oxidative stress and inflammatory responses.

Efficacy of Sucralfate-Combined Quadruple Therapy on Gastric Mucosal Injury Induced by Helicobacter pylori and Its Effect on Gastrointestinal Flora.

BACKGROUND: This study explored the therapeutic efficacy of standard triple therapy combined with sucralfate suspension gel as well as the mechanisms of action in mouse models of H. pylori infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into 5 groups: NC (natural control), HP (H. pylori infection), RAC (rabeprazole, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin), RACS (RAC and sucralfate suspension gel), and RACB (RAC and bismuth potassium citrate). HE staining and electron microscopy were performed to estimate histological and ultrastructural damages. The IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α of gastric antrum tissues were measured by immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR. ZO-1 and Occludin were also detected with immunohistochemistry. The genomes of gastric and fecal microbiota were sequenced. RESULTS: The eradication rate of H. pylori in the RACS group was higher than the RAC group. RACS therapy had protective effects on H. pylori-induced histological and ultrastructural damages, which were superior to the RAC group. RACS therapy reduced the protein and mRNA levels of IL-8 compared with the RAC group. The expression of Occludin in the RACS group was significantly higher than that of the RAC group. The composition of gastric and fecal microbiota for RACS was similar to the RACB group according to PCA. CONCLUSIONS: The RACS regimen eradicated H. pylori infection effectively and showed RACS had protective effects against H. pylori-induced histological and ultrastructural damage. The mechanisms of RACS effects included decreasing IL-8, enhancing Occludin, and transforming gastric microbiota. Moreover, RACS and RACB have a similar effect on gastrointestinal flora.

Mechanistic perspective of morin protection against ketoprofen-induced gastric mucosal injury: Targeting HMGB1/RAGE/NF-κB, DJ-1/Nrf2/HO-1 and PI3K/mTOR pathways.

Ketoprofen is a widely used NSAID which incurs gastric mucosal damage. The high mobility group Box 1 (HMGB1) protein is a DNA-binding protein which exerts robust inflammatory actions, however, its role in ketoprofen-induced gastric damage has not been explored. Additionally, no previous studies have linked HMGB1/RAGE/NF-κB, DJ-1/Nrf2/HO-1 and PI3K/mTOR pathways in ketoprofen-induced gastropathy. The current work aimed to explore the potential of morin, a flavonoid with marked antioxidant/anti-inflammatory actions, to protect against ketoprofen-evoked gastric damage. Moreover, the underlying mechanisms, including the impact of morin on HMGB1/RAGE/NF-κB, DJ-1/Nrf2/HO-1 and PI3K/mTOR pathways were addressed. Immunoblotting and ELISA were used to examine the expression of target signals. Morin (50 mg/kg, p. o.) attenuated the severity of gastric injury via lowering of ulceration/hemorrhage and macroscopic damage scores. Meanwhile, it attenuated the histopathologic aberrations/damage scores. In the context of inflammation, morin suppressed TNF-α and myeloperoxidase levels and enhanced IL-10. Furthermore, it inhibited HMGB1/RAGE/NF-κB pathway through downregulating HMGB1, RAGE and phospho-NF-κBp65 protein expression. Morin successfully inhibited gastric mucosal oxidative stress through lowering of lipid peroxides and boosting of reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase and total antioxidant capacity. It also boosted DJ-1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway via upregulating DJ-1, Nrf2 and HO-1 protein expression. Additionally, morin counteracted the apoptotic events by downregulating the proapoptotic Bax and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and augmenting the PI3K/mTOR pathway through upregulating PI3Kp110α and phospho-mTOR protein expression. In conclusion, the current study demonstrates, for the first time, that morin shows a promise for the management of ketoprofen-induced mucosal insult through targeting of HMGB1/RAGE/NF-κB, DJ-1/Nrf2/HO-1 and PI3K/mTOR pathways.