Humic Acid Has Protective Effect on Gastric Ulcer by Alleviating Inflammation in Rats

Abstract

The new agents are needed in treatment of gastric ulcer that have less side effects, adequate efficacy, and no drug interactions. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of humic acid on experimental gastric ulcer. Wistar Albino male rats (n = 48) were randomly divided into 8 groups as follow; Control (without any applications), Humic acid (50 mg/kg), ethanol group (1 mL/rat), and indomethacin group (25 mg/kg). In the treatment groups, both gastric ulcer model and humic acid 50 mg/kg were applied. In addition, famotidine the antiulcer drug was used as positive control. All medications were administered by oral gavage. Levels of ADAM10 and ADAMTS12 in gastric mucosa were determined by ELISA method. Hematoxylin-Eosin (H&E) staining, iNOS, and PCNA immunohistochemical staining were performed for histopathological investigations. Apoptosis was demonstrated by using the TUNEL method. In addition, the levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-?, IL-6, IL-10) and caspase-3 gene were determined by qRT-PCR. ADAM10 and ADAMTS12 levels significantly increased in the treatment groups compared to the ulcer groups (p < 0.05). The experimental groups showed mucosal erosion, bleeding, leukocyte infiltration and edema. Treatment with humic acid and famotidine was found to suppress iNOS activity, thereby decreasing proinflammatory activity and preventing damage to the gastric mucosa, while reducing the number of apoptotic cells. IL-6, IL-10, TNF-? and caspase-3 levels were significantly decreased in the treatment groups compared to damaged gastric mucosa. As a result, humic acid may be defined as a potential protective agent with its anti-inflammatory effect in gastric ulcer. © 2022, Allerton Press, Inc.