Oxyresveratrol ameliorates ethanol-induced gastric ulcer via downregulation of IL-6, TNF-α, NF-ĸB, and COX-2 levels, and upregulation of TFF-2 levels.

Oxyresveratrol, an active ingredient of Artocarpus lakoocha, is known to possess anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. Current study investigates the immunomodulatory effect of oxyresveratrol in mouse model of ethanol-induced ulcer. Anti-ulcer effect was determined using histopathological evaluation (H&E staining) and different tests like, gastric ulcer scoring, ulcer index, total acid secretion, and gastric pH. The mRNA expression levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-ĸB), cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and trefoil factor 2 (TFF-2) were evaluated using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The data showed marked percentage inhibition of erosion, hemorrhage, fibrinoid necrosis, inflammatory infiltrate, and ulcer in low (30 mg/kg b.w.) and high dose (50 mg/kg b.w.) groups of oxyresveratrol. Treatment with oxyresveratrol inhibited ulcer score and ulcer index as compared with disease control group. Oxyresveratrol significantly increased gastric pH (P < 0.001) and attenuated total acid (P < 0.001) secretion. RT-PCR analysis showed significant suppression in the mRNA expression levels of IL-6 (P < 0.001), TNF-α (P < 0.01), NF-ĸB (P < 0.001), and COX-2 (P < 0.05) in oxyresveratrol treated groups, while COX-1 expression levels were found unaltered. Treatment with oxyresveratrol significantly elevated (P < 0.01) the expression levels of cytoprotective TFF-2 levels. Similar Immunomodulatory and anti-ulcer effects were found with ranitidine treatment, which was used as a reference drug. In conclusion, oxyresveratrol possess significant anti-ulcer property which might be attributed to attenuated expression levels of IL-6, TNF-α, NF-ĸB, and COX-2 and elevated expression levels of TFF-2.