Antiulcerogenic effect from limonene in experimentally induced gastric ulcer

Abstract

The imbalance between the attackers of the stomach mucosa factors and the ability of the mucosa on defending itself leads to the formation of gastric ulcer, a deep erosion in the wall of the stomach that penetrates throughout the thickness of the lining. Natural products derived from plants can protect against the development of gastric ulcers by suppressing the production of inflammatory cytokines and free radicals and stimulation of mucosal defense mechanisms. Limonene (C10H16) is a terpene present in the essential oil of the peel of fruits of genus Citrus and presents gastroprotective activity. The present study aims to determine the lowest effective dose for the gastroprotective effect from limonene, in addition to investigating the involvement of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of limonene in stomach. Male Wistar rats (n = 8) will be undergoing gastric ulcer induction by absolute ethanol, after oral administration of limonene (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg), carbnoxolone (100 mg/kg, positive control) or vehicle (8 tween 80, negative control). After euthanasia, the ulcer area is calculated and compared between groups. Fragments of stomach will be intended for histological analysis (hematoxylin-eosin and periodic acid-Schiff staining). Other fragments are intended for investigation of antioxidant effect (activity of GPx, GR and SOD enzymes and GSH level), anti-inflammatory (level of cytokines TNF-±, IL-6 and IL-10) and infiltration of neutrophils (MPO activity). (AU)