The comparative study between effects of Aloe Vera and sucralfate on gastric microcirculatory changes, TNF-α and IL-10 levels, and gastric ulcer healing in rats

Abstract

Gastric ulceration is resulted from the imbalance between gastrotoxic agents and protective mechanism. Aloe vera is a house plant which has anti-ulcer properties. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects between Aloe vera and sucralfate on gastric microcirculatory changes, cytokine levels and gastric ulcer healing. Male Spraque-Dawley rats (n=48) were divided into four groups. Group 1, serve as control group. Group 2, the administration of 20% acetic acid induced gastric ulcer group. Group 3 and 4, the administration of 20% acetic acid induced gastric ulcer treated with sucralfate and Aloe vera, respectively. The rats from each group were divided into 2 subgroup for study of leukocyte adherence, TNF-α and IL-10 levels, and gastric ulcer healing on day 1 and day 8 after induced gastric ulcer. The results of this study showed that, on day 1 after induced gastric ulcer, the leukocyte adherence in postcapillary venule was significantly (p<0.05) increased in the ulcer groups when compared to the control group. The level of TNF-α was elevated and the level of IL-10 was reduced in this group. In both the ulcer treated with sucralfate and Aloe vera group could reduce leukocyte adherence in postcapillary venule. The level of IL-10 was elevated in those groups. But the level of TNF-α was not significant difference from the ulcer group. On days 8, the leukocyte adherence in postcapillary venule and the level of TNF-α were still increased and the level of IL-10 was reduced in the ulcer group. The ulcer treated with sucralfate and Aloe vera group could reduce leukocyte adherence in postcapillary venule and TNF-α level. The level of IL-10 was still elevated in those groups compared to the ulcer group. Furthermore, the histopathological examination of stomach both on day 1 and day 8 after the 20% acetic acid induced gastric ulcer showed that the gastric tissue was damaged and inflammation. In the ulcer treated with sucralfate group and the ulcer treated with Aloe vera group both on day 1 and day 8 found that sucralfate and Aloe vera treatment reduced gastric inflammation, stimulated epithelail cells proliferation, elongation of gastric glands. The ulcer sizes were also reduced in those groups when compared to the ulcer group. In this study, we concluded that the administration of 20% acetic acid induced gastric ulcer produced gastric inflammation, increased leukocyte adherence in postcapillary venule, elevated TNF-α level and reduced I1-10 level. Aloe vera treatment could reduce leukocyte adherence and TNF-α level, elevated IL-10 level and promoted gastric ulcer healing. Aloe vera treatment has similar effect to sucralfate treatment. Therefore, we concluded that, Aloe vera has antiinflammation effect and promote gastric ulcer healing.