Gastric ulcer is a concerning condition that affects numerous individuals globally. Omeprazole (OMP), a well-known drug for treating stomach ulcers, has been associated with several adverse effects and limited solubility. The study aimed to create an omeprazole nanosuspension (OMP-NS) with improved solubility and bioavailability. Additionally, the study investigated the potential therapeutic effects of OMP-NS on ethanol-induced gastric injury in rats, comparing it to traditional OMP therapy to identify novel therapeutic alternatives. The characterization of the OMP-NS was assessed using DLS, TEM, XRD, FTIR, UV spectrophotometric analysis, in vitro release studies, and entrapment efficiency (EE) assays. A total of 24 male Wistar albino rats (weighing 150–200 g, aged 8–10 weeks) were randomly divided into four groups (six rats/group). Gastric injury was induced using absolute ethanol (5 mL/kg), followed by oral administration of either OMP or OMP-NS (20 mg/kg) for 7 days. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA accompanied by the Bonferroni post hoc test or the Kruskal–Wallis test, based on data distribution, with significance set at p < 0.05. The OMP-NS demonstrated a Z-average diameter of 216.1 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.2, and a zeta potential of −19.6 mV. The particles were predominantly spherical with an average size of 67.28 nm. In vitro release studies showed 97.78% release at 8 h, with an EE% of 96.97%. Ethanol-induced gastric ulcers were associated with oxidative stress, characterized by elevated levels of NADPH, ROS, MDA, and NO, while the level of SOD was reduced. It was accompanied by increased inflammatory markers HMGB1, which subsequently increased TLR-2, MyD88, NF-κBp56, NLRP3, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels; conversely, a significant decrease in Nrf2/PPAR-γ/SIRT1 levels was observed. In contrast, OMP-NS administration significantly reduced oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, restored SOD activity, and upregulated protective pathways Nrf2/PPAR-γ/SIRT1 more effectively than conventional OMP therapy. In conclusion, OMP-NS represents a promising therapeutic strategy with notable anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcerogenic effects in ethanol-induced gastric ulcers.

Radiotherapy is a critical treatment for cancer but poses significant risks to ovarian tissue, particularly in young females, leading to premature ovarian failure (POF). This study examines the therapeutic potential of etoricoxib nanostructured lipid carriers (ETO-NLC) in mitigating radiation-induced ovarian damage in female Wistar rats. Twenty-four female rats were randomly assigned to four groups: a control group receiving normal saline, a group exposed to a single dose of whole-body gamma radiation (6 Gy), a group treated with etoricoxib (10 mg/kg) post-radiation, and a group treated with ETO-NLC for 14 days following radiation. Histopathological evaluations and oxidative stress biomarker assessments were conducted, including ELISAs for reactive oxygen species (ROS), pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α), and signaling molecules (PI3K, AKT, P38MAPK, AMH). Serum levels of estrogen, FSH, and LH were measured, and gene expression analysis for TGF-β and Nrf2 was performed using qRT-PCR. The findings indicate that ETO-NLC has the potential to ameliorate the harmful effects of ovarian damage induced by γ-radiation. These therapeutic effects were achieved through the modulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, augmentation of antioxidant defenses (including Nrf2 activation), support for cell survival pathways (via PI3K/Akt signaling), regulation of MAPK, mitigation of fibrosis (TGF-β), and preservation of ovarian reserve (as evidenced by AMH, FSH/LH, and estrogen levels). ETO-NLC shows promise as an effective strategy for attenuating radiation-induced ovarian damage, highlighting the need for further research to enhance therapeutic interventions aimed at preserving ovarian function during cancer treatment.

The primary objective of this study was to conduct a comparative analysis of the anti-inflammatory activity between Etoricoxib (ETO) and Matcha green tea (MG) in the context of acute kidney injury (AKI) induced by ionizing gamma radiation (IR) in female rats. Furthermore, the potential impact of whole body IR exposure on the intestinal system and serum estradiol levels was investigated. Additionally, it was acknowledged that the ETO and MG treatments might have exerted favorable effects on the intestinal and hormonal responses. Six groups of rats were assigned to different treatments: control, ETO, MG, irradiation (IRR), ETO + IRR, and MG + IRR. The evaluation included measuring the total phenolic and flavonoid contents of ETO and MG, as well as assessing their antioxidant activity, radical scavenging capacity, reducing power, and total antioxidant capacity. Kidney function was assessed through serum creatinine and urea levels. Oxidative stress markers, including superoxide dismutase, glutathione, malondialdehyde, and catalase, were measured to evaluate the antioxidant effects of ETO and MG. The anti-inflammatory potential of the treatments was evaluated by measuring STAT-3 and interleukins (IL-6, IL-23, and IL-17) using an ELISA assay. Prostaglandin E2 receptor (PGE-2) mRNA expression, histopathological examination, and immunohistochemistry for NF-κB inhibitors were performed to investigate the underlying mechanisms in kidney tissue homogenates. Histopathological changes and DNA fragmentation in the intestinal tissues were determined, and the characterization of Matcha green tea was performed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). This allowed for the identification and quantification of various compounds present in Matcha green tea. Furthermore, the study assessed the effect of IR and treatments on estrogen levels in female rats. Data showed that both ETO and MG had the potential to mitigate the adverse effects of AKI induced by IR. Notably, MG exhibited greater efficacy in attenuating oxidative stress and inflammation associated with renal injury. These findings revealed and compared the effects of ETO and MG in alleviating AKI caused by IR. MG demonstrated greater anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, highlighting its potential as a natural therapeutic agent. These results contribute to the growing evidence supporting the use of MG in managing IR-induced renal complications. Future studies should focus on elucidating the molecular mechanisms and optimizing the application of MG in clinical settings.

Gastric ulcer (GU) is a common gastrointestinal disorder that impacts quality of life. Currently, several drugs are available for GU treatment, including proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole (OMP); however, their use is limited by numerous potential adverse effects. Glycyrrhizic acid (GLY), a natural anti-inflammatory agent, exhibits promising gastroprotective properties; however, its use is likewise limited by numerous potential adverse effects. This study aimed to synthesize GLY nanoparticles (GLY-NPs) to enhance their therapeutic potential and to comparatively evaluate their efficacy against OMP in an ethanol-induced GU in male Wistar rats. GLY-NPs were synthesized via a hydrothermal method and characterized using TEM, XRD, FTIR, and zeta potential analyses. In vivo, GLY-NPs significantly attenuated gastric mucosal damage compared to OMP, as evidenced by macroscopic and histopathological analyses. Biochemical assays revealed that GLY-NPs markedly improved antioxidant defenses by elevating SOD, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities while reducing MDA levels, surpassing the effects of OMP. Furthermore, GLY-NPs modulated inflammatory responses by downregulating p38 MAPK, NF-κB, and TNF-α expression, concomitant with upregulation of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Mechanistic insights indicated that GLY-NPs favorably regulated key signaling pathways implicated in gastric mucosal protection, including suppression of the JAK2/STAT3 and TGF-β1/Smad3 pathways, alongside activation of the SIRT1/FOXO1/PGC-1α axis. In conclusion, these findings indicate that GLY-NPs offer higher gastroprotective effects relative to traditional OMP therapy through comprehensive modulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, and molecular signaling pathways. This study highlights GLY-NPs as a potent nanotherapeutic candidate for the effective management of GU.