The Effect of Quercetin-3-O-beta-D-Glucuronopyranoside on Indomethacin-induced Gastric Damage in Rats via Induction of Mucus Secretion and Down-regulation of ICAM-1 Expression

Abstract

The mechanism of the protective effect of quercetin-3-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside (QGC) from the leaves of Rumex aqauticus on indomethacin (IND, a representative NSAID)-induced gastric damage in rats was investigated. Pre-treatment with QGC significantly attenuated IND-induced gastric mucosal injury. An increase in myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and expression of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 protein and mRNA expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1 beta, as well as a decrease in gastric mucus secretion were detected in the gastric mucosa of IND-treated rats. QGC reversed the side effect of IND on MPO activity and mucus production. Furthermore, QGC pre-treatment notably decreased ICAM-1 protein and mRNA expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, suggesting that QGC protection from IND-induced damage is associated with increased gastric mucus secretion, inhibition of free radical production by activated neutrophils via ICAM-1, and pro-inflammatory cytokine downregulation.