Gastroprotective effects of chlorella derived lutein via anti-inflammatory antioxidant and acid enzyme modulation.

Induction of gastric ulcer by ethanol is associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and impaired gastric mucosal defense. The current work was performed to determine the effect of lutein from Chlorella on ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in rats. Lutein caused significant decrease in gastric ulcer index and ulcer area (by 80.8%) and had beneficial effects on hematological and inflammatory status as seen from the 38% reduction in neutrophil, 57% reduction in myeloperoxidase activity, and 83% reduction in neutrophilic infiltration. At a dose of 200 mg/kg, lutein significantly lowered cyclooxygenase activity (50%), C-reactive protein (67%), prostaglandin E2 (55%), and nitric oxide (39%) levels. Lutein caused decrease in oxidative stress evidenced from 75% to 69% reduction in TBARS and hydrogen peroxide, and increase in the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. Lutein exhibited dose-dependent inhibition of gastric H+K+ATPase activity and preservation of gastric mucosal integrity.