Ellagic acid protects against gastric ulcer in male rats by antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms: modulation of NF-κβ/COX-2 and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways.

BACKGROUND

Gastric ulcer is commonly affected by several causes, including stress. This work examined the gastroprotective effects of ellagic acid (EA), in stress-induced gastric ulcers in Wistar rats.

METHODS

Forty male Wistar rats were categorized into five groups: a normal control group, a stress-induced ulcer group, and three groups receiving EA treatment (5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg). Gastric ulcers were elicited using a water immersion stress model. Macroscopic and histological assessments, together with biochemical immunohistochemical studies were performed.

RESULTS

EA therapy markedly decreased ulcer scores and indices in a dose-dependent manner. EA decreased TNF-α, IL-1β and MDA and augmented PGE1 and GSH. Histopathological assessments verified the results. The immunohistochemical analysis revealed increased Nrf2 and HO-1 levels and decreased NF-κB and COX-2 levels in the EA-treated groups.

CONCLUSION

EA demonstrates gastroprotective properties against stress-induced gastric ulcers via its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms in a dose-dependent manner.