Therapeutic Effects of Vitamin E in Gastric Stress Ulcers and Obesity in Rats

Stress-related disturbances are classified among the health problems that have global interest, especially which are related to gastrointestinal system. The consequent oxidative stress is confirmed to be responsible for the development of gastric mucosal ulcers and necrosis. That is accompanied with the release of different inflammatory mediators. On the other hand, the ratio of obesity is gradually increasing in the world. It impairs the quality of life because of its associated serious complications. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble, free radicals scavenger antioxidant. It has anti-inflammatory and cell membranestabilizing properties. Besides, it has antiobesity effects. The present study highlights the potential therapeutic effects of vitamin E in the treatment of stress-induced gastric ulcers in rats. Stomach injury was induced in fasted rats by cold-restraint stress (CRS) method. Vitamin E was administered orally at a dose of 100 mg/kg for 7 consecutive days. Rats were sacrificed on the 8th day. Assessment of the stomach injury was by studying body weight changes, macroscopic examinations, histological study, and determination of oxidative stress markers (MDA stomach content and SOD enzyme activity). Vitamin E administration alleviated the stomach injury degree, and caused a remarkable body weight decrease, with a statistical significance in comparison with the stressed group. Vitamin exerted good effects in reducing body weight, and healing of stress-induced gastric ulcers in rats.