Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study aimed to examine the gastroprotective effects of PMK-S005, which is a synthetic S-allyl-Lcysteine (SAC; a sulfur-containing amino acid), against acute ethanol-induced gastric damage in rats. METHODS: Sprague- Dawley rats were divided into six groups, including a nonethanol group, groups treated with absolute ethanol 1 hour after pretreatment with various doses of PMK-S005 (1, 5, and 10 mg/kg) or rebamipide (50 mg/kg), and an absolute ethanolonly group. Ethanol-induced gross ulcer and mucus levels were measured. Myeloperoxidase, tumor necrosis factor a, interleukin 1β, PGE₂, LTB₄, cPLA₂, COX-1, and COX-2 levels were estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or Western blot analysis. Furthermore, the protein expression levels of antioxidant enzymes, including heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), NAD(P)Hquinine oxidoreductase 1 (NQO-1), GCLC, and GCLM, were assessed. RESULTS: PMK-S005 significantly attenuated the ethanol-induced gastric damage; it reduced mucosal inflammatory cytokine production and increased mucus levels. The expression levels of cPLA₂, COX-1, and COX-2 were decreased by PMK-S005. PMK-S005 did not affect PGE₂ synthesis, but LTB₄ production was significantly suppressed. In addition, long-term administration of PMKS005 significantly increased the expression of HO-1, NQO-1, GCLC, and GCLM. CONCLUSIONS: These results strongly suggest that PMK-S005 prevents gastric mucosal damage and that these gastroprotective activities are due to anti-inflammatory effects and enhancement of the gastric defense system, including antioxidant enzymes.