The protective effect of dapsone against ethanol-; stress-; and indomethacin-induced gastric erosion in rats

Several factors contribute to the development of gastric erosions, including corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), alcohol, and stress. These factors can cause or worsen gastrointestinal ulcers by activating inflammatory pathways or by altering gastric mucosal blood flow. Dapsone is an antimicrobial compound with anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of dapsone against gastric erosions-induced by alcohol, stress, or indomethacin. Gastric damage was induced in male rats in different three experimental models:  ethanol (5 ml/kg, p.o.)-, water-immersion stress-, and indomethacin (30 mg/kg, p.o.)- induced ulcer. Rats in each of these three experimental models were divided into 5 groups: Normal group, 2. Control group (gastric damage + vehicle), 3. Gastric damage+ dapsone 1 mg/kg, 4. Gastric damage+ dapsone 3 mg/kg, 5. Gastric damage+ dapsone 10 mg/kg. In this study, the J- score ulcer index and histopathological assessment were performed. In addition, inflammatory cytokines levels, NF-κB expression and MPO activity were determined. Dapsone reduced the tissue injuries and erosion area in all three experimental groups compared to the control group. In addition, serum levels of inflammatory cytokines, TNF-alpha and IL-1β were reduced in the dapsone treatment groups. The expression of NF-κB and tissue concentration of myeloperoxidase (a marker of neutrophil activation) was also reduced in rats given dapsone. To conclude, dapsone exhibits significant protective effects against the development of experimental gastric erosions in rats and these effects seem to be related to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.