Postulated Protective Role of Curcumin on Indomethacin-induced Acute Gastric Mucosal Damage in Adult Albino Rats (Histological and Immunohistochemical Study)

Introduction: Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used drugs in inflammation treatment. NSAIDs are associated with several side effects especially on the stomach. Considering these limitations of NSAIDs side effect, alternate natural nontoxic antioxidant with potent antiulcer activity such as curcumin was needed. Aim of the Work: This study was conducted to investigate if there is a protective role of curcumin on indomethacin (IND) induced acute gastric mucosal damage in adult albino rats. Materials and Methods: 24 adult male albino rats each weighing 150-200 grams were used in this study. Animals were randomized into 4 groups (each of 6 animals) and all received the treatment via orogastric tube. Group I (Control Group): included rats that received a single dose of 0.9% saline (10 mg/kg BW). Group II [Curcumin, (cur) Group]: Animals received a single dose of curcumin alone (20 mg/kg BW) 2 hours prior to the end of the experiment. Group III (IND Group): animals received a single dose of IND (48 mg/kg BW). Group IV (Cur/IND Group): animals received currcumin 2 hours before administration of IND in the same previous doses. Four hours after the end of the experiment, biopsies were taken, fixed, processed for histological examination (H E), (PAS) stain (histochemical reaction) and immunohistochemical detection of COX-2 expression. Moreover the degree of damage in the gastric mucosa and optical density of PAS positive reaction were measured in each studied groups for statistical analysis. Results: Gastric mucosa of animals received IND only, showed many superficial eroded areas associated with degenerative changes in gastric glands cells, mononuclear cellular infiltration and dilated blood vessels. Marked decrease in PAS positive mucus and marked COX-2 positive reaction in the base of gastric glands cells were also seen. While, curcumin administration 2 hours before IND treatment in Cur/IND group showed gastric glands with normal architecture, PAS positive mucus and negative COX-2 expression nearly similar to that of control group. Conclusion: Currcumin protects gastric mucosa against IND-induced mucosal damage, by downregulate COX-2 expression in gastric glands.