Protective Role of Vitamin E and Vitamin C on Morphology of Gastric Mucosal Injury Induced by Aspirin in Albino Rats

Abstract

Background: Peptic ulcer has become an immense problem in our health care system. One of the major cause being the overuse of NSAIDs in Pakistan.
 Objective: To evaluate gastro protection by Vitamin E, Vitamin C and combination of Vitamin E and Vitamin C on morphology of aspirin induced gastric mucosal injury in albino rats.
 Methodology: 45 adult albino rats were taken and organized into 5 groups. Control was formed by Group I. Group II was given aspirin. Group III was given Vitamin C and aspirin. Group IV was given Vitamin E and aspirin. Group V received Vitamin C, Vitamin E and aspirin. All the doses were given for 14 days. Rats were then sacrificed after 24 hours and their stomachs were examined to compare the gross and histological findings regarding the colour of the gastric mucosa, presence of gastric ulcer, site of the ulcer, epithelial integrity and extent of the ulcer.
 Results: Increased frequency of ulcers extending into the submucosa were found in group given aspirin as compared to the rest of the groups. The group that was given combination of Vitamin E and Vitamin C along with aspirin showed significantly better condition than all the groups by showing normal mucosa and intact epithelium in most of the animals.
 Conclusion: Combination of Vitamin E and Vitamin C has greater defensive effect on aspirin induced gastric mucosal insult than Vitamin C or Vitamin E alone by showing reduction in frequency and severity of gastric ulcer.