Allium Cepa Ameliorates Ethanol-Induced Gastric Injury in Rats Via Reduction in Gastric Neutrophils Infiltration

Abstract

Neutrophil-derived oxygen free radicals have been implicated in the aetiology of gastric tissue damage. In this study, the ameliorative effects of Allium cepa on neutrophil infiltration, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities in the ethanol-induced gastric injury were examined. Twenty four adult male Wistar rats were used for this study and divided into four groups; Control, Allium cepa, Allium cepa + Ethanol and Ethanol. Allium cepa was administered (1mL/100g body weight) daily for twenty eight days while 0.2mL of 98% (v/v) ethanol per 23g Body Weight was used to induced gastric damage. Macroscopic measurement of ulcer area, histological examination and biochemical analyses (Malondialdehyde level, Myeloperoxidase (index of neutrophil accumulation), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT) activities) were carried out in plasma and gastric tissue. Ethanol administration significantly (p<0.05) increased ulcer score and ulcer index, decreased percentage ulcer inhibition, increased MDA and MPO, decreased SOD and CAT activities. Histological findings show glandular destruction in the gastric mucosa and infiltration of inflammatory cells in ethanol only group. These effects were ameliorated with Allium cepa pre-treatment. The results obtained from this study demonstrate the ameliorative effect of Allium Cepa on ethanol-induced gastric injury by reduction in gastric neutrophils infiltration and increased antioxidant activities.