a histological study to investigate the effects of astaxanthin on aspirin-induced gastric ulceration in rats

Objectivegastric ulcer disease remains a significant global health concern, affecting millions worldwide, particularly due to common risk factors such as chronic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (nsaid) use. aspirin, a widely used nsaid, compromises gastric mucosal integrity by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis and increasing oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to ulcer formation. astaxanthin, a naturally occurring carotenoid with potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties, has gained attention for its potential gastrointestinal protective effects. this study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of astaxanthin in the treatment and recovery of aspirin-induced gastric ulcers. by assessing histological parameters in an experimental rat model, we investigated whether astaxanthin alone or in combination with omeprazole offers superior mucosal protection and healing compared to conventional treatment.materials and methodsfemale albino rats were housed under controlled conditions (22 ± 2°c, 12-hour light/dark cycle) with free access to food and water. gastric ulcers were induced in all groups, except for the negative control, via oral administration of aspirin (100 mg/kg). the ulcerated animals were then divided into seven groups (n = 10): control (c), receiving distilled water and standard feed; positive control (t1), with aspirin-induced ulcers and no treatment; t2, treated with omeprazole (20 mg/kg); t3, treated with astaxanthin (50 mg/kg); t4, treated with astaxanthin (75 mg/kg); t5, treated with omeprazole (20 mg/kg) + astaxanthin (50 mg/kg); and t6, treated with omeprazole (20 mg/kg) + astaxanthin (75 mg/kg).resultshistological analysis revealed that rats treated with astaxanthin (50 mg/kg or 75 mg/kg) exhibited well-preserved epithelial layers, intact gastric glands, and normal mucous neck and parietal cells, indicating substantial mucosal recovery. in contrast, the omeprazole-treated group displayed mild pathological alterations, suggesting incomplete healing. combination therapy with astaxanthin and omeprazole further enhanced mucosal protection, showing fewer histopathological changes compared to omeprazole alone. these findings suggest that astaxanthin promotes superior gastric mucosal healing following aspirin-induced ulceration, likely due to its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.conclusionthese findings support astaxanthin as a promising candidate for gastric ulcer management, either alone or in combination with conventional treatments. further research is warranted to elucidate its precise mechanisms and clinical applicability.

a histological study to investigate the effects of astaxanthin on aspirin-induced gastric ulceration in rats

objectivegastric ulcer disease remains a significant global health concern, affecting millions worldwide, particularly due to common risk factors such as chronic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (nsaid) use. aspirin, a widely used nsaid, compromises gastric mucosal integrity by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis and increasing oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to ulcer formation. astaxanthin, a naturally occurring carotenoid with potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties, has gained attention for its potential gastrointestinal protective effects. this study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of astaxanthin in the treatment and recovery of aspirin-induced gastric ulcers. by assessing histological parameters in an experimental rat model, we investigated whether astaxanthin alone or in combination with omeprazole offers superior mucosal protection and healing compared to conventional treatment.materials and methodsfemale albino rats were housed under controlled conditions (22 ± 2°c, 12-hour light/dark cycle) with free access to food and water. gastric ulcers were induced in all groups, except for the negative control, via oral administration of aspirin (100 mg/kg). the ulcerated animals were then divided into seven groups (n = 10): control (c), receiving distilled water and standard feed; positive control (t1), with aspirin-induced ulcers and no treatment; t2, treated with omeprazole (20 mg/kg); t3, treated with astaxanthin (50 mg/kg); t4, treated with astaxanthin (75 mg/kg); t5, treated with omeprazole (20 mg/kg) + astaxanthin (50 mg/kg); and t6, treated with omeprazole (20 mg/kg) + astaxanthin (75 mg/kg).resultshistological analysis revealed that rats treated with astaxanthin (50 mg/kg or 75 mg/kg) exhibited well-preserved epithelial layers, intact gastric glands, and normal mucous neck and parietal cells, indicating substantial mucosal recovery. in contrast, the omeprazole-treated group displayed mild pathological alterations, suggesting incomplete healing. combination therapy with astaxanthin and omeprazole further enhanced mucosal protection, showing fewer histopathological changes compared to omeprazole alone. these findings suggest that astaxanthin promotes superior gastric mucosal healing following aspirin-induced ulceration, likely due to its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.conclusionthese findings support astaxanthin as a promising candidate for gastric ulcer management, either alone or in combination with conventional treatments. further research is warranted to elucidate its precise mechanisms and clinical applicability.