Hesperidin (Hes) protects different organs from damage by acting as a potent
antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. This study aims to evaluate the
gastroprotective effects of free hesperidin and its chitosan nanoparticles
(HNPs) against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in rats, hypothesizing that HNPs
will enhance bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy due to improved solubility
and targeted delivery. HNPs were synthesized via ion gelation and characterized
using TEM, SEM, and zeta potential analyses. Key assessments included gastric
acidity, histological analysis, and markers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and
apoptosis. HNPs significantly decreased gastric acidity, reduced inflammatory
andapoptotic markers, and enhancedantioxidant enzyme activities compared to
free hesperidin and esomeprazole. Furthermore, Sirt-1, PGC-1α, HO-1, and
FOXO1 gene expression were also evaluated. HNPs raised Sirt-1, PGC-1α, HO
1, and downregulated FOXO1, and they suppressed the activities of NF-κB p65,
COX-2, IL-1β, CD86, FOXO1 P53, and caspase-3 and increased Sirt-1 activity.
HNPs treatment notably restored antioxidant enzyme activity, reduced oxidative
stress and inflammatory markers, and improved histological outcomes more
effectively than free hesperidin and esomeprazole. These results indicate that
chitosan nanoparticles significantly enhance the gastroprotective effects of
hesperidin against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers, potentially offering a more
effective therapeutic strategy. Further research should explore the clinical
applications of HNPs in human subjects. |
