Daidzein ameliorates experimental acute reflux esophagitis in rats via regulation of cytokines.

Context: Daidzein is a secondary metabolite derived from plants, has a flavonoid structure and is known for its protective activity in gastrointestinal disorders.

Objective

The current work determines the preventive effect of daidzein against injury in the esophagus mucosa induced by esophageal reflux (RE) in an animal model.

Methods

Adult male Wistar rats were classified into six groups: normal control, ER + different doses of daidzein and ER + omeprazole. RE was induced in all animals except controls and supplemented with daidzein and standard drugs orally for 6 hours. Serum and tissue were used for further biochemical parameters.

Results

Daidzein as a flavonoid has antioxidant properties and shows in vitro antioxidant activity. The outcomes also reveal an elevation in lipid peroxidation and a decline in the levels of sulphhydryl groups and glutathione, along with the depletion in the activities of enzymatic antioxidants in the oxidative stress state. In a dose-dependent manner daidzein and omeprazole amended all macroscopic and biochemical variations and protected against the raised level of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), calcium and free iron levels in esophageal tissue induced during RE. It also improved the expression and level of proinflammatory cytokines.

Conclusion

The finding reports that daidzein has a potential to show a shielding effect against esophagus damage induced by RE in rats, at least in part via alteration of inflammatory cytokines.