Abstract

Coaretem was repurposed in the treatment of ethanol:HCl acid induced ulcer in mice. Forty mice were grouped into four groups (ten mice each group). Control group had free access to water and mice feed. Group 2 received ethanol:HCl orally after fast. Group 3 received ethanol:HCl acid and omeprazole (20mg/kg b.w). Group 4 received Ethanol:HCl acid and coartem (5mg/kg b.w). Stomach tissues were processed for gastric ulcer index, biochemical assays, antioxidants enzyme assays, histopathology and immunohistochemistry staining of p53. The results revealed that the coartem group reduced the burden of ulcer as shown in the percentage inhibition of ulcer index (table 1). The activities of aspartete aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase were moderate due to the modulating effect of coartem as shown in the coartem treated group. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione (GSH) activities and levels decreased in the Ethanol:HCl acid induced group, however in the coartem treated group the activities and levels were increased significantly as compared to the control group. Malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl content levels and p53 expression were increased in the Ethanol:HCl acid induced ulcer group, but in the coartem treated group, the levels of malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl contents decreased significantly as compared to the Ethanol: HCl acid group. The histopathology revealed ulceration marked, injury and edema in Ethanol: HCl acid group, but in the coartem group no injury and edema. In conclusion coartem showed potentials in modulating ethanol:HCl acid induced ulcer by acting as a defensive agent against gastric secretion.

Key words: Coartem, Ulcer, p53, Antioxidant, Biochemical assays