Ethanol (EtOH) consumption is frequently associated with acute and chronic gastrointestinal disorders. Rosuvastatin (RSV),
a third-generation statin, has demonstrated certain biological functions beyond its lipid-lowering properties. This study is
designed to explore the gastroprotective impact of RSV in a rat model of EtOH-induced gastric ulceration in a dose-dependent
manner through the evaluation of oxidant/antioxidant biomarkers, inflammatory myeloperoxidase (MPO) enzyme activity,
and prostaglandin E2 (
PGE2) levels in gastric tissues, along with histopathological examination of the gastric tissues.
Therefore, 40 adult male rats were randomly divided into five equal groups as control, EtOH (gastric ulcer), RSV-low dose
plus EtOH and RSV-high dose plus EtOH. The EtOH rat model of gastric ulceration was achieved by intragastric administration
of a single dose of EtOH. Seven days before EtOH administration, rats were orally administered either omeprazole
(20 mg/kg/day) or RSV (10 mg/kg/day or 20 mg/kg/day). RSV administration enhanced the antioxidant glutathione reduced,
countered oxidative malondialdehyde, augmented cytoprotective PGE2,
suppressed inflammatory MPO enzyme activity
in gastric tissues, decreased ulcer index scoring, increased the percentage of ulcer inhibition, and reversed the associated
histological and ultrastructural abnormalities, additionally, RSV treatment resulted in weak positive nuclear staining for the
inflammatory nuclear factor kappa B in a dose-dependent manner. It is concluded that RSV demonstrates gastroprotective
potential, attributable at least in part, to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its ability to promote
ulcer protection through the maintenance of mucosal content and PGE2
levels. Thus, RSV therapy emerges as a safe option
for patients with gastric ulcers. |
