Volume 1, Issue 4 (9-2025)
2025, 1(4): 1-13 |
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Ethics code: R.MEDILAM. REC.1400.133
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Valadbeigi H, Haddadi M H. Evaluation of the Therapeutic Effects of Docosahexaenoic Acid on Aspirin-Induced Gastric Ulcer Healing and Oxidative Stress Markers in Rats. Journal of Health Sciences Perspective 2025; 1 (4) :1-13
URL: http://jhsp.medilam.ac.ir/article-1-40-en.html
URL: http://jhsp.medilam.ac.ir/article-1-40-en.html
Clinical Microbiology Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran.
Abstract: (27 Views)
Introduction: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, are widely used but often induce gastric ulcers as a major side effect. This study aimed to investigate the protective and healing effects of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid, against aspirin-induced gastric ulcers in rats.
Materials & Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: an ulcer control group, two DHA-treated groups (low dose and high dose), and a group receiving omeprazole as a standard anti-ulcer agent. Ulcers were induced by oral administration of aspirin for three consecutive days, followed by 14 days of treatment.
Results: Macroscopic and histopathological evaluations revealed significant improvements in ulcer healing in DHA-treated groups, especially at the higher dose, with reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, restored mucosal integrity, and normalized glandular architecture. Biochemical analyses demonstrated dose-dependent increases in antioxidant enzymes SOD and CAT, along with significant reductions in oxidative (MDA) and inflammatory (MPO, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) markers. DHA-H showed comparable or greater efficacy than omeprazole in reducing oxidative stress and IL-1β levels, though omeprazole remained more effective in ulcer area reduction.
Conclusion: DHA, particularly at higher doses, ameliorates aspirin-induced gastric injury by modulating oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways. These findings suggest the potential of DHA as a complementary or alternative therapy to PPIs in managing NSAID-induced gastropathy, especially for patients unresponsive to or intolerant of standard treatments. While our study demonstrates the therapeutic potential DHA, the lack of signaling pathway analysis, such as NF-κB/NLRP3, limits mechanistic depth. Future studies should address this gap to validate molecular targets.
Materials & Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: an ulcer control group, two DHA-treated groups (low dose and high dose), and a group receiving omeprazole as a standard anti-ulcer agent. Ulcers were induced by oral administration of aspirin for three consecutive days, followed by 14 days of treatment.
Results: Macroscopic and histopathological evaluations revealed significant improvements in ulcer healing in DHA-treated groups, especially at the higher dose, with reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, restored mucosal integrity, and normalized glandular architecture. Biochemical analyses demonstrated dose-dependent increases in antioxidant enzymes SOD and CAT, along with significant reductions in oxidative (MDA) and inflammatory (MPO, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) markers. DHA-H showed comparable or greater efficacy than omeprazole in reducing oxidative stress and IL-1β levels, though omeprazole remained more effective in ulcer area reduction.
Conclusion: DHA, particularly at higher doses, ameliorates aspirin-induced gastric injury by modulating oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways. These findings suggest the potential of DHA as a complementary or alternative therapy to PPIs in managing NSAID-induced gastropathy, especially for patients unresponsive to or intolerant of standard treatments. While our study demonstrates the therapeutic potential DHA, the lack of signaling pathway analysis, such as NF-κB/NLRP3, limits mechanistic depth. Future studies should address this gap to validate molecular targets.
Type of Study: case report |
Subject:
Food Hygiene
Received: 2025/07/11 | Accepted: 2025/09/2 | Published: 2025/09/22
Received: 2025/07/11 | Accepted: 2025/09/2 | Published: 2025/09/22
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