Effects of Curcumin on Gastric Microcirculation with Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs induced Gastric Injury in Rats

Background: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most commonly prescribed drugs worldwide. The mechanisms of NSAIDs induced gastrointestinal injury are multifactors. Curcumin is isolated from the rhizomes of the plant Curcuma longa. They are known anti-inflammatory properties. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of curcumin on gastric microcirculation and anti-inflammation action on rats with NSAIDs induced gastric injury. Methods: Male Spraque-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups. Control group was fed olive oil and 5% NaHCO 3 – (vehicle). Group 2 (NSAIDs) was fed olive oil and indomethacin 150 mg/kg BW dissolve in 5% NaHCO 3 – at time 0 th , 4 th hr. Group 3 was fed curcumin 200 mg/kg BW dissolved in olive oil 0.5 ml 30 minute prior to indomethacin 150 mg/kg BW in 5% NaHCO 3 – at 0 th , 4 th hr. Leukocyte-endothelium interaction at postcapillary venule were record after acridine orange injection. Finally, the stomach was removed for histopathology grading for gastric mucosal injury. Results: In NSAIDs group, the leukocyte adherence in postcapillary venule was significantly increased when compared to the control group (6.66 ± 2.33 vs 1.33 ± 0.20 cells/field, p <0.001). And pretreatment with curcumin group, leukocyte adherence was reduced significantly compared to NSAIDs group (1.97 ± 0.30 vs 6.66 ± 2.33 cells/field, p <0.001). In the NSAIDs group, the histopathology of stomach showed damaged with mild to severe mucosal inflammation and gastric lesions were erosive and ulcerative. In pretreatment with curcumin improved the stomach histopathology that showed only mild gastric mucosal injury and reduced erosive lesion of gastric mucosa. Conclusion: Curcumin accomplishes the protective effect on NSAIDs-induced gastric mucosal injury. Pretreatment with curcumin could improve the leukocyte adherence in postcapillary venule and improve the gastric histopathology.