A bis-resorcinol resveratrol congener prevents indomethacin-induced gastric ulceration by inhibiting TNF-α as well as NF-κB and JNK pathways.

The cytoprotective action of the synthetic resveratrol (Resv) congener, E-3,3',5,5'-tetrahydroxystilbene (designated as HST-1) against indomethacin (IND)-induced stomach ulceration has been established using a mice model. HST-1 reversed the adverse effects of IND on several inflammatory (myeloperoxidase, cytokines, adhesion molecules etc.) and ulcer-healing (cyclooxygenases, prostaglandin, growth factors and their receptors etc.) parameters in mice. More importantly, HST-1 down-regulated TNF-α and the TNF-α-mediated activation of NF-κB and JNK/MAPK pathways that are the key determinants in the IND-gastropathy. The effect of HST-1 on all these factors was significantly better than that of Resv, misoprostol, and omeprazole. HST-1 also did not induce small intestinal mucosal injury, unlike some of the proton pump inhibitors. On the other hand, Resv reduced activation of the prosurvival ERK1/2 pathway that may explain its contraindicative property in the gastrointestinal tract.