Study of the mechanism of anti-ulcer effects of virgin coconut oil on gastric ulcer-induced rat model

Isolation, Structural Characteristics Analysis of a Vigna unguiculata Polysaccharide VUP80-3 and Its Protective Effect on GES-1 Cells In Vitro

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is one of the main edible legume vegetables in China, and it can improve spleen and stomach function. A polysaccharide component (VUP80-3) has been isolated from V. unguiculata in this study. The average molecular weight of VUP80-3 is 6.43 × 10⁴ Da, and the main monosaccharide group is glucose. The mass ratio of monosaccharide groups in the polysaccharide was glucose:galactose:arabinose:rhamnose:xylose:mannose:fucose = 152.36:24.50:16.53:8.13:1.26:0.97:0.82. NMR analysis showed that VUP80-3 has →4)-α-D-Galp (1→ and →4)-α-D-Glcp(1→ main chain and →3,4)-β-D-Glcp(1→, →4,6)-α-D-Glcp(1→ branch chains, and the terminal sugar is α-D-Glcp(1→. Biological activity test results showed that VUP80-3 at 1000 μg·mL^-1 significantly increased the activity of ethanol injured GES-1 cells (p < 0.01) and significantly reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) in ethanol injured GES-1 cells and inflammatory factors (IL-8, IL-1β and TNF-α,) in GES-1 cells. This compound also reduced the apoptosis rate (p < 0.05), thereby significantly reducing the oxidative damage caused by ethanol in GES-1 cells. Therefore, VUP80-3 is a potential drug to protect the gastric mucosa from damage.

LC-ESI-MS phenolic contents assessment, antioxidant, and protective ability of Punica granatum root bark extract against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats: in silico H+, K+-ATPase inhibitory pathway study

The objectives of the current study were to evaluate the Punica granatum root bark extract's (PGE) antioxidant and gastroprotective activities against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in Wistar rats and to elucidate the putative mechanism of action using in silico analysis. The PGE phytochemical study shows high levels of phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, and polysaccharides. In vitro, the PGE was more effective at scavenging hydroxyl radicals than quercetin and had lower ferric reducing activity than catechin. In vivo, it was revealed that pretreatment of ethanol-ulcerated rats with PGE at oral doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg b.w. offered a dose-dependent shield against ethanol-induced ulcers when compared to Omeprazole (20 mg/kg b.w.) by preventing the development of deep ulcer lesions, lowering gastric juice output and pH rises, boosting gastric mucus production and antioxidant enzyme levels, and attenuating malondialdehyde and myeloperoxidase contents. Moreover, the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of PGE identified 5 phenolic acids and 4 flavonoids, which revealed an in silico high oral bioavailability, drug-likenesses, and good binding affinities and thus inhibitory effects on the gastric H+, K+-ATPase enzyme. PGE may have synergistic antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and H+, K+-proton pump inhibitory actions that contribute to its antiulcer efficacy.

Coconut oil based self-nano emulsifying delivery systems mitigate ulcerogenic NSAIDs side effect and enhance drug dissolution: Formula optimization, in-vitro, and in-vivo assessments

Gastric ulcer is a common gastrointestinal ailment that affects many people worldwide. NSAIDs induced ulcers are the second most common etiology of gastric ulcers. Coconut oil has well-known potential anti-ulcerogenic characteristics. This work aimed to develop and optimize diclofenac potassium (a highly used model drug of NSAIDs) as self-nanoemulsifying delivery system containing coconut oil (DFP-COSNEDS) to overcome its ulcerogenic effect. A mixture design was applied for formula optimization and investigation of the effect of different formulation factors on the droplet size (DS) and polydispersity index (PDI) of the prepared DFP-COSNEDS. The optimized formulae showed good self-emulsification characters and better drug dissolution compared with the drug suspension. The ulcer protection was assessed in-vivo using 7 groups of adult male Wistar rats. Oxidative stress parameters (MDA, GSH, and SOD), inflammatory mediators (PGE-2, TNF-α, and IL-6) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) gene expression were measured. The results revealed that pure coconut oil and DFP-COSNEDS containing 25 % of coconut oil showed close figures to normal group and better values than famotidine (FAM) group. In conclusion, coconut oil showed high potential for gastric-protection activity against DFP induced ulcer. DFP-COSNEDS offers dual benefits of improving DFP dissolution and alleviating its ulcerogenic effect.

Integrated serum pharmacochemistry and investigation of the anti-gastric ulcer effect of Zuojin pill in rats induced by ethanol

CONTEXT

Zuojin Pill (ZJP) has been used to treat gastrointestinal problems in China for hundreds of years.

OBJECTIVE

To discover more potential active ingredients and evaluate the gastroprotective mechanisms of ZJP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An approach involving UPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS and serum pharmacochemistry was established to screen the multiple chemical constituents of ZJP. Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into six groups: normal control, ulcer control, omeprazole (30 mg/kg), and three ZJP groups (1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 g/kg). After oral treatment with ZJP or omeprazole for 7 days, all groups except the normal control group were orally administered 5 mL/kg ethanol to induce gastric ulceration. Histopathological assessment of gastric tissue was performed by haematoxylin and eosin staining. Antioxidant parameters and inflammatory mediators were determined using ELISA Kit and immunohistochemical analysis.

RESULTS

Ninety components were identified in ZJP. Among them, 23 prototypes were found in rat serum after oral administration of ZJP. The ulcer inhibition was over 90.0% for all the ZJP groups. Compared with the ulcer control rats, ZJP (4.0 g/kg) enhanced the antioxidant capacity of gastric tissue: superoxide dismutase (1.33-fold), catalase (2.61-fold), glutathione (2.14-fold), and reduced the malondialdehyde level (0.48-fold). Simultaneously, the ZJP meaningfully lowered the content of tumour necrosis factor-α (0.76-fold), interleukin-6 (0.66-fold), myeloperoxidase (0.21-fold), and nuclear factor kappa B (p65) (0.62-fold).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

This study showed ZJP could mitigate ethanol-induced rat gastric ulcers, which might benefit from the synergistic actions of multiple ingredients. The findings could support the quality control and clinical trials of ZJP.

Virgin coconut oil: A comprehensive review of antioxidant activity and mechanisms contributed by phenolic compounds

Virgin coconut oil (VCO) is obtained by processing mature coconut cores with mechanical or natural methods. In recent years, VCO has been widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries because of its excellent functional activities. VCO has biological functions such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral, and also has potential therapeutic effects on many chronic degenerative diseases. Among these functions, the antioxidant is the most basic and important function, which is mainly determined by phenolic compounds and medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs). This review aims to elucidate the antioxidant functions of each phenolic compound in VCO, and discuss the antioxidant mechanisms of VCO in terms of the role of phenolic compounds with fat, intestinal microorganisms, and various organs. Besides, the composition of VCO and its application in various industries are summarized, and the biological functions of VCO are generalized, which should lay a foundation for further research on the antioxidant activity of VCO and provide a theoretical basis for the development of food additives with antioxidant activity.

An accidental emamectin benzoate poisoning in child: A case report

We report a case of accidental Emamectin Benzoate poisoning in a six-year-old child resulting in nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and confusion. We did vigorous gastric lavage with saline, activated charcoal, and coconut oil. The other supportive treatment improved the outcome of the patient with complete resolution of symptoms.

The Protective Effect of Polysaccharide SAFP from Sarcodon aspratus on Water Immersion and Restraint Stress-Induced Gastric Ulcer and Modulatory Effects on Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis

Sarcodon aspratus is a popular edible fungus for its tasty flavour and can be used as a dietary supplement for its functional substances. This study was conducted to evaluate the potential health benefits of Sarcodon aspratus polysaccharides (SAFP) on water immersion and restraint stress (WIRS)-induced gastric ulcer in rats. The results indicated that SAFP could decrease myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and plasma corticosterone levels, as well as enhance Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and Nitrate/nitrite (NOx) concentration in rats. Furthermore, SAFP significantly attenuated the stress damage, inflammation, pathological changes and gastric mucosal lesion in rats. Moreover, high-throughput pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA suggested that SAFP modulated the dysbiosis of gut microbiota by enhancing the relative abundance of probiotics, decreasing WIRS-triggered bacteria proliferation. In summary, these results provided the evidence that SAFP exerted a beneficial effect on a WIRS-induced gastric ulcer via blocking the TLR4 signaling pathway and activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Notably, SAFP could modulate the WIRS-induced dysbiosis of gut microbiota. Thus, SAFP might be explored as a natural gastric mucosal protective agent in the prevention of gastric ulcers and other related diseases in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Effect of coconut water and milk on heat stress-induced gastrointestinal tract dysmotility in rats: Role of oxidative stress and inflammatory response

The potential effects of coconut water (CCW) and milk (CCM) on gastrointestinal motility {intestinal transit (IT), intestinal fluid accumulation (IFA) and colonic motility}, tissue oxidative, and inflammatory responses in heat-stressed rats were investigated. There were four (4) temperature exposure groups; (i) Control at 30°C, (CON), (ii) heat-stressed (HS) group exposed to the ambiance of 40°C, (iii) heat-stressed pre-treated with coconut water (HS+ CCW), and (iv) coconut milk (HS + CCM). Skin temperatures (ST) and rectal temperatures (RT) were taken daily, before and after 2 hr heat exposure. GE, IT, and IFA were assessed using standard methods while colonic motility was assessed by colonic bead expulsion (CBE) time after the 14-day exposure. Serum cortisol and lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme activities, inflammatory cytokines in intestinal samples were assessed. Stomach and intestinal morphology were equally examined on histomorphometry. Increased GE, IT, IFA, and colonic motility were observed in HS. CCW and CCM reversed the increases in GE, IT, IFA, and colonic motility in the heat-stressed rats (p < .05). Elevated serum cortisol level and intestinal MDA were significantly reduced in the CCW and CCM treated. Tissue GPx, T-AOC, and T-SOD were all enhanced in HS + CCW and HS + CCM. While tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were suppressed in the HS group, interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were enhanced with CCW and CCM. Altered intestinal morphology in the HS was also significantly mitigated by CCW and CCM. We showed that coconut water and milk could ameliorate intestinal dysmotility associated with heat stress via oxidative stress reduction and suppression of inflammatory responses. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Heat stress impacts negatively on intestinal health and integrity in both humans and animals via oxidative stress and inflammation. Conversely, coconut has demonstrated anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties in health and medicinal applications. From the findings of this study, coconut water and milk display beneficial potentials against the untoward heat stress effect on gastrointestinal health.

Gastroprotective Effect of Polypeptide-K Isolated from Momordica charantia’s Seeds on Multiple Experimental Gastric Ulcer Models in Rats

Peptic ulcer disease is a multifactorial disorder and is the most significant public health concern nowadays. Previous study showed that essential oil extracted from Momordica charantia's seed exhibited gastroprotective effect. However, the evidence for the gastroprotective effect of its active compound, polypeptide K (PPK), remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the preventive effect of PPK against different experimental gastric lesions models in rats. The possible gastroprotective effect of PPK was assessed in hydrochloride ethanol- and indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer models in Sprague Dawley rats and was further evaluated macroscopically and microscopically. Pyloric ligation experiments were used to investigate gastric secretion. Oral administration of PPK at all concentrations (10, 25, and 50 mg/kg) showed significant (p < 0.05) reduction in total area of lesion in both hydrochloride ethanol- and indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer models. The highest inhibition rate was seen in PPK dose of 50 mg/kg with 64.9% and 72.2% on hydrochloride ethanol and indomethacin models, respectively. Microscopically, PPK preserved the normal architectures of the gastric tissues from being damaged by hydrochloride ethanol and indomethacin. Further, in the pyloric ligation studies, PPK significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the ulcer area where the highest protection was exhibited by 50 mg/kg with 70% inhibition rate. Moreover, all concentrations of PPK also significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced the gastric wall mucus secretion. Collectively, this study demonstrated the gastroprotective effect of PPK on hydrochloride ethanol- and indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer models. The possible mechanism might be associated with enhanced mucus secretion and thus lowering the total acidity.

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.

The effect of metformin on indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer: Involvement of nitric oxide/Rho kinase pathway

Gastric ulcer is a very common disease that represent an economic burden. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs induce ulcer in old patients and in patients with comorbidities. Indomethacin is widely used to induce gastric ulcer in animal models. Diabetic patients are highly susceptible to develop gastric ulcer. Metformin, the first line medication for the treatment of type II diabetes melilites that have many off label uses in non-diabetic patients, has been recently reported to have anti-inflammatory activities. Therefore, this research was conducted to assess the possible healing effects of metformin on gastric ulcers induced by indomethacin in rats. Indomethacin (48 mg/kg) single dose increased stomach acidity, ulcer index and induced histopathological changes. Indomethacin also decreased mucin levels and increased the activity of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), Rho-associated protein kinas-1 (ROCK-1) and decreased the levels of the protective nitric oxide (NO). After the induction of ulcer, rats were treated by omeprazole (30 mg/kg) or metformin (50, 100 or 200 mg/kg). Omeprazole and metformin were found to decrease stomach acidity and ulcer index, restored the histological features and increased mucin levels. Both also decreased the levels of NF-κB, TNF-α, ROCK-1 and increased NO. Metformin exerted ulcer healing effects comparable to that of omeprazole. This can be attributed, at least partly, to its anti-inflammatory activity and increasing NO 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-κβ) 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-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) genes in gastric tissues was determined by real-time PCR; and TNF-α, IL-10, and IL-1β levels were determined. RJ was found to inhibit iNOS and Nf-κβ activity in the gastric mucosa and prevent epithelial cell apoptosis. In particular, pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β 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.

Alaofi A, Awan ZA, Alqarni HM, Alhakamy NA. Optimization of Thymoquinone-Loaded Coconut Oil Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for the Management of Ethanol-Induced Ulcer

In the global incidence of peptic ulcer, with the associated rates of hospitalizations and mortality are increasing, in the United States, peptic ulcer disease affects approximately 4.6 million people annually, with an estimated 10% of the US population having evidence of a duodenal ulcer. The present research aims to find a novel treatment for ethanol induced ulcer by loading thymoquinone (TQ) on a nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC), using Compritol® 888 and coconut oil. The TQ-loaded coconut oil NLC was formulated using melt emulsification combined with a sonication method using Poloxamer 188 as a surfactant. Finally, the optimization of the formulations was performed on a three-factor, three-level Box-Behnken statistical design, with 85.63% entrapment efficiency of TQ in the optimized formulation. A biphasic release pattern of the formulation was recorded in an in vitro drug release study, where the initial burst release of the drug was observed in the first 2 h, followed by a gradual release. Later, the TQ-loaded coconut oil NLC was found to protect the gastric mucous membrane more effectively (78.95% in.; p < 0.01) in an alcohol-induced ulcer model, whereas the TQ suspension showed 30.87% inhibition (p < 0.05) of the ulcerative index, when compared with the ulcer control group. The histopathological evaluations of the stomach in ulcer-induced animals demonstrated protection potential of TQ-loaded coconut oil NLC against an alcohol-induced gastric ulcer. In a nutshell, the entrapment of TQ within the NLC was found to deliver the entrapped drug more effectively when administered through an oral route to possess a gastroprotective effect.

Effects of melatonin on ovarian reserve in cigarette smoking: an experimental study

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the study was to investigate whether melatonin has a protective effect against diminished ovarian reserve induced by smoking.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Seventy-two female Wistar-Albino rats were divided into 6 groups: group I (room air), group II (chronic cigarette smoking), group III (room air + 10 mg/kg subcutaneous melatonin), group IV (room air + 20 mg/kg subcutaneous melatonin), group V (chronic cigarette smoking + 10 mg/kg subcutaneous melatonin), group VI (chronic cigarette smoking + 20 mg/kg subcutaneous melatonin). For 45 days, rats were exposed to cigarette smoke through a smoking machine, then subcutaneous melatonin was administered. Apoptotic index, immunohistochemical scoring, ovarian follicle counting, ovarian tissue and serum malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) analyses were carried out.

RESULTS

All of the primordial, primary, secondary and mature follicle numbers were found to be significantly lowered in study groups. Increased HSCORE with anti-caspase-3 staining and a high follicular apoptotic index were demonstrated in the smoking group. Serum and ovarian tissue levels of MDA were found to be elevated with smoke exposure whereas lower MDA levels were determined in melatonin treated groups. Serum and tissue levels of SOD, GPx and CAT were shown to be reduced in the smoking group in comparison with melatonin treated and control groups. 20 mg/kg melatonin administration in the smoking group revealed significantly decreased HSCOREs and apoptotic indices.

CONCLUSIONS

Cigarette smoking has been definitely shown to be associated with impaired ovarian reserve with respect to significantly diminished numbers of primordial, primary, secondary and mature follicles. Dose-related treatment of melatonin in smokers may provide an evidently reduced apoptotic index and improved antioxidant activity in tissue.