Investigation into the Possible Risk Effects Associated with Drug and Alcohol-induced Gastrointestinal Ulcer in Wistar Albino Rats

Aim: The study investigated the possible risks associated with gastrointestinal ulcer disease by evaluating the biochemical response of three body organs; heart, kidney and liver, in gastric ulcerated rats.

Methodology: Twenty male wistar albino rats were used in the study. Gastric ulcer was induced in rats with single oral dose of 400 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) aspirin, 80 mg/kg b.w. indomethacin and 5 ml/kg b.w. acidified ethanol (40:60 v/v). Blood samples were collected into heparinized bottle and centrifuged at 4000 rpm for 10 mins to obtain the plasma. Gastric tissue, liver, kidney and heart were also collected.

Results: Oral administration of 400 mg/kg b.w. aspirin, 80 mg/kg b.w. indomethacin and 5 ml/kg b.w. acidified ethanol caused a remarkable increase in ulcer index. There was observed a significant (p<0.05) reduction in AST and ALT activities in gastric ulceration caused by aspirin (Asp), with no significant (p<0.05) change in total protein (TP) concentration, lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase activity. However, there was increase in creatinine and urea concentration. Acidified ethanol and Indomethacin-induced ulcerated rats showed significant (p<0.05) reduction in all other parameters except ALT and lactate dehydrogenase activities which did not show any significant (p<0.05) change. There was also observed a significant (p<0.05) increase in creatine kinase activity in indomethacin-induced ulcerated rats.

Conclusion: Overall, the result indicates a link between gastric ulcer and organ toxicity. The use of NSAIDs above the therapeutic doses in the treatment of pains and related illness as well as excess consumption of alcohol is shown to negatively impact the stomach and cause serious damage to different body organs of wistar rats.