Objective and design: This study was carried out in order to investigate the potential cytoprotective effects of ozonized sunflower oil (OSO) in the damage of rat gastric mucosa induced by indomethacin and also to elucidate the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation and some constituents of antioxidant defense such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in these effects.
Material and methods: The gastric damage was induced by indomethacin (20 mg/kg) as solution in 0.5% sodium bicarbonate and given intragastrically. Three hours later OSO (4, 12 and 24 mg/kg) and cimetidine 25 mg/kg were administered also by oral route. Four hours thereafter the rats were killed and the stomachs were removed for biochemical analysis and histological study.
Results: The gastric ulcer index was reduced by OSO and cimetidine. OSO also reduced TBARS concentration, but it increased SOD activity in gastric mucosa homogenates. In contrast, CAT activity was not significantly modified the treatment. Histological study confirmed the cytoprotective effects of OSO in rat gastric mucosa damaged by indomethacin.
Conclusion: It was concluded that cytoprotective effects of OSO in rat gastric mucosa are mediated at least partially by upregulation of the antioxidant system and mainly SOD.