Rebamipide prevented delay of wound repair induced by hydrogen peroxide and suppressed apoptosis of gastric epithelial cells in vitro.

The effects of rebamipide on the restoration process of gastric epithelial wounds were assessed using an in vitro wound-healing model and hydrogen peroxide treatment. Rebamipide (10 or 100 microM) was added to a complete monolayer cell sheet after artificial wounding. The restoration process was analyzed sequentially by a time-lapse video system, and cell migration, proliferation, and apoptosis were assessed. Hydrogen peroxide (1 or 3 mM) inhibited restoration after wounding by suppressing cell migration and proliferation. It also induced epithelial cell apoptosis around the wound. The addition of rebamipide abolished the H2O2-induced retardation and prevented apoptosis. Rebamipide might act as a radical scavenger and have favorable effects on peptic ulcer diseases.