Protective and therapeutic roles of Phoenix dactylifera L. Zaghloul cultivar leaves extract against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats

Abstract

Gastric ulcer is a common gastrointestinal disorder associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and disruption of the gastric mucosal barrier. This study investigated the gastroprotective and therapeutic effects of Phoenix dactylifera (Zaghloul) methanolic leaves extract against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in male Wistar rats. Phenolic quantification of the extract revealed the presence of phenolic (2450.127 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid (2230.00 mg CE/g) contents. LC–ESI–MS-MS analysis led to detection of 23 compounds. Ethanol administration resulted in elevation of MDA, inflammatory modulators (TNF-α, ICAM-1 and IL-10) and reduction of TAC, GSH and cycloxygenase enzymes (COXI and COXII). Expression of E2F1, RAD21, NIBPL, and Vimentin genes was increased via ulcer induction. Treatment with the extract reversed ethanol effects by elevating TAC, GSH, COXI and COXII and reducing MDA, TNF-α, ICAM-1 and IL-10;TNF-α/IL-10 ratio was increased in the ulcerative group and reduced by treatment. Moreover, the extract modulated the expression of E2F1, RAD21, NIBPL, and Vimentin suggesting a potential association with attenuation of epithelial injury and mucosal repair. Histopathological examination demonstrated improvement of the mucosal architecture and mucin production, and reduction of fibrosis. Collectively, these findings demonstrate the impact of ulcer induction and extract treatment on the expression of the studied genes and support the gastroprotective and therapeutic effects of P. dactylifera leaves extract through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and mucosal healing activities. Further studies at the protein level using more dosages of the extract are needed to clarify the mechanistic significance of these gene expression changes and the appropriate dose of the extract.