Injury of small intestinal mucosa in rats induced by aspirin and clopidogrel and the protective effect of teprenone

The purpose of this study was to investigate the injury of aspirin and clopidogrel on small intestinal mucosa in rats and the protective effect of teprenone. The study found that aspirin and clopidogrel could cause intestinal mucosal injury in rats, which was even worse with dual drugs. The mechanism of mucosal injury included free radical injury induced by aspirin and decreased synthesis of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by clopidogrel. Teprenone may repair intestinal mucosa via boosting VEGF level. Key words: Intestine, small; Aspirin; Clopidogrel; Teprenone