Effect of fucoidan on aspirin-induced stomach ulceration in rats.

In this study, the effects of fucoidan on aspirin-induced ulcers in rats were evaluated: both biochemical and immunological parameters were taken into consideration. The status of stomach tissue glycogen storage and histological changes were also examined. Examination of basic biochemical parameters showed significant (p<0.01) alterations in aspartate (AST) and alanine (ALT) transaminases in ulcer-induced rats. Also, moderate alterations (p<0.05) were observed in the levels of cholesterol and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Histopathological examination showed neutrophil infiltration and inflammation in oxyntic cells with altered glycogen storage. Analysis of serum cytokines of aspirin-induced rats showed a moderate decrease in interleukin-10 (IL-10) with considerable increase of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interferon-gamma (INF-gamma) when compared with control. Administration of fucoidan showed considerable (p<0.05) protection against ulceration by inhibiting the acute alterations of AST, ALT, cytokines and stomach glycogen. However, aggravated serum INF-gamma was observed in the fucoidan-pretreated group. These findings suggest that the anti-ulcer property of fucoidan might contribute in protecting the inflammatory cytokine-mediated oxidative damage to gastric mucosa.