Protective effects of escin against water immersion and restraint stress-induced gastric ulcer in mice

Background: Escin was a natural mixture of triterpenoid saponin that was isolated from the seed of the horse chestnut. The previous study from our laboratory demonstrated that escin had a protective effect against indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers in mice. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of escin on gastric mucosal lesions induced by water immersion and restraint stress (WRS). Materials and methods: Gastric lesion was estimated morphometrically and histopathologically 6 h after the escin administration. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the gastric mucosa were measured. Moreover, the contents of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in gastric tissues were determined. Results: The exposure of mice to WRS produced acute gastric lesions accompanied by a significant rise in the contents of MDA, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and a significant fall in the activities of SOD and catalase. Escin protected gastric tissues against WRS-induced gastropathy as demonstrated by a reduction in the ulcer index and an attenuation of histopathological changes. Escin significantly decreased the contents of MDA, TNF-α, IL1β, and IL-6. The altered activities of SOD and catalase in the stomach tissues were also ameliorated by escin treatment. Conclusion: Escin protects against a WRS-induced gastric ulcer by virtue of its antioxidant potential and anti-inflammatory effect.