Effects of rebamipide and encapsulating rebamipide with chitosan capsule on inflammatory mediators in rat experimental colitis.

Rebamipide is a quinolone derivative drug, which stimulate prostaglandin production and mucus secretion. Despite gastric mucosal protection and ulcer healing effect, it has low solubility and low permeability. An efficient way to increase drug permeability and solubility is to use the polymeric carrier and nanoparticles which effectively increase drug delivery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of rebamipide and encapsulating rebamipide with chitosan capsule on inflammatory mediators in rat experimental colitis. In this study, 36 male wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups (n= 6) including rebamipide-chitosan, rebamipide, chitosan, positive control (hydrocortisone), control (rebamipide vehicle) and sham operated. After 36 h fasting, colitis was induced with 2 ml of acetic acid 4% (except sham operated groups that received saline). After 6 days, animals sacrificed and samples of colon tissues were obtained for MDA, NO and TNF-α levels assessment and determination of MPO and SOD activity. The results were analyzed by one way ANOVA. Encapsulating rebamipide with chitosan capsule not only significantly reduced TNF-α and NO (P <0.03) compared with rebamipide solution, but also diminished other anti-inflammatory mediators and increased antioxidant capacity compared with other groups. Encapsulating rebamipide with chitosan capsule can increase the effectiveness of this drug; however more studies are needed to support this hypothesis for clinical use.