Anti-Inflammation and Protective Effects of Anethum graveolens L. (Dill Seeds) on Esophageal Mucosa Damages in Reflux Esophagitis-Induced Rats

Abstract

Anethum graveolens L. (dill seeds) are important medicinal and functional foods in Europe and central and south Asia, often used as a seasoning in daily diets. Anethum graveolens L. seeds (AGS) are used to treat indigestion and have shown physiological activities such as those against hypoglycemia and gastroesophageal disease. This study explored the protective effects of AGS extract on mucosal damages and inflammation in reflux esophagitis rats. AGS inhibited cellular inflammation including NO production and the expression of inflammatory proteins (iNOS and COX2 etc.), cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α) and nuclear transfer factor related to NF-κB signaling caused by LPS stimulation in vitro. Furthermore, reflux esophagitis-induced rats were used to observe the anti-inflammatory effect of AGS. Tissue staining and inflammation-related protein expression of rats with acute reflux esophagitis indicated that AGS improved this inflammatory response, such as COX-2 and TNF-α in mucosa. In conclusion, AGS have good physiological activity and the possibility of being used as a medicinal food and a functional resource for the prevention and therapy of gastroesophageal diseases.

NF-κB: A novel therapeutic pathway for gastroesophageal reflux disease?

“…In addition, in several animal studies using drugs that inhibit the NF-κB pathway, mucosal damage was significantly reduced compared with the control group, and the release of inflammatory factors was reduced as well as oxidation[ 21 - 24 ]. In an in vitro study, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory responses in RAW 264.7 cells were also found to be alleviated after treatment with drugs that inhibited the NF-κB pathway[ 25 - 28 ]. These studies suggest that drugs which inhibit the NF-κB pathway can relieve esophageal mucosal injury caused by GERD and down-regulate related inflammatory factors.…”

“…NF-κB can be activated by different stimuli and is considered to be part of the systemic stress response. Based on the literature and our previous study results[ 19 - 28 ], it can be hypothesized that inhibition of NF-κB activation may block the damage to the esophageal mucosal barrier caused by GERD. To prove this theory, we plan in conjunction with in vitro experiments and an animal study to further elucidate the role of NF-κB in the mechanism of reflux-induced esophageal epithelial barrier dysfunction, and explore the effectiveness of specific inhibition of NF-κB activity on reflux-induced esophageal epithelial barrier dysfunction.…”

Columbianadin ameliorates experimental acute reflux esophagitis in rats via suppression of NF-κB pathway

“…The disease occurs due to poor habit, stress, food and smoking 4 . Prolonged and severe GERD can cause various types of esophageal mucosal injury, including bleeding, erythema (redness), erosion, and ulcers.…”

“…Lifestyle modifications, such as dietary changes and elevating the head of the bed, are also important aspects of managing GERD in addition to medication. Patients with GERD should consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations 2,4 .…”

“…The NSAIDS are commonly used as antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-rheumatic and mostly in the treatment of fever, pain, and arthritis 10,11 . Therefore, NSAIDS have excellent anti-inflammatory effects, but these drugs have serious side effects such as causes of liver injury, gastrointestinal dyspepsia, allergies, and other ones 4 .…”