The Role of Zinc Sulfate and Metallothionein in Protection Against Ethanol-Induced Gastric Damage in Rats

Abstract

In this study, the effects of zinc sulfate against ethanol-induced acute gastric damage in rats were investigated, morphologically and biochemically. In addition, the present investigation has demonstrated the distribution of metallothionein stimulated by zinc in gastric mucosal tissues, immunohistochemically. The gastric damage was induced by intragastric administration of 1 ml absolute ethanol per rat. Rats received zinc sulfate (100 mg/kg/day) for 3 consecutive days 2 hr prior to the administration of absolute ethanol. Acute ethanol exposure caused degenerative morphological changes, a decrease in metallothionein immunreactivity; an increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels, and a decrease in reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in gastric mucosa. On the other hand, zinc sulfate administration to ethanol-treated rats caused a significant reduction in the histological damage, an increase in metallothionein immunreactivity, a decrease in LPO levels, and an increase in GSH levels in gastric mucosa. As a result, the present study indicates that zinc sulfate has a protective effect against ethanol-induced acute gastric damage. In addition, we might say that the zinc given as exogenous protection against acute gastric damage has a protective effect both by stimulation of metallothionein synthesis and through GSH as well as having antioxidative potential.

The Hepatoprotective and MicroRNAs Downregulatory Effects of Crocin Following Hepatic Ischemia‐Reperfusion Injury in Rats

“…They were sham (S) group: animals received normal saline (N/S; 2 mL Kg −1 ) [41] for 7 consecutive days, intraperitoneally (ip) [45]; then laparotomy without IR induction was performed. IR group: animals received N/S with the same dose and time; then IR induction was carried out as mentioned before.…”

“…Crocin is a water soluble carotenoid and the most important active constituent of saffron [39]. Crocin, as an antiapoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant agent [40], has many beneficial protective effects against renal [41], gastric [42], retinal [43], and brain [44] IR-induced injuries.…”

Effects of Zinc on Intestinal Injury and Some Serum Parameters in Ethanol-Administered Rats

“…These results accord with our earlier findings on the liver 30) and gastric musosal tissue. 31) We found that MT is located predominantly in the Paneth cells at the base of the crypts of Lieberkühn in all the groups. Paneth cells play important roles in the elimination and storage of heavy metals and regulate the microbial flora of the intestine.…”

Increased oxidative stress may lead to impaired adaptive cytoprotection in the gastric mucosa of portal hypertensive rat

“…Other studies have reported that administration of vitamin E and glutamine reduced oxidative stress in the PHT gastric mucosa . In addition, zinc and zinc complex have also been reported to decrease gastric mucosal damage because of their anti‐oxidant effects . Furthermore, the zinc complex stimulates cell proliferation and attenuates the cytokine‐mediated oxidative damage to the gastric mucosa .…”

“…17,27 In addition, zinc and zinc complex have also been reported to decrease gastric mucosal damage because of their anti-oxidant effects. [28][29][30] Furthermore, the zinc complex stimulates cell proliferation and attenuates the cytokine-mediated oxidative damage to the gastric mucosa. 31 In the present study, we used DHLHZn as an anti-oxidant agent.…”