World Applied Sciences Journal 30 (Innovation Challenges in Multidiciplinary Research & Practice): 344-350, 2014 ISSN 1818-4952 © IDOSI Publications, 2014 DOI: 10.5829/idosi.wasj.2014.30.icmrp.48 Corresponding Author: Walaa Najm Abood, Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 344 Involvement of Inflammatory Mediators in the Gastroprotective Action of Phaleria macrocarpa against Ethanol-Induced Gastric Ulcer Walaa Najm Abood, Mahmood A. Abdulla and Salmah Ismail 1 1 2 Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, 1 University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Institute of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 2 Submitted: Jan 5, 2014; Accepted: Feb 24, 2014; Published: Mar 12, 2014 Abstract: This research aimed to determine the potential protective effects ofPhaleria macrocarpafruit extracton rat gastric mucosal injury induced by ethanol andto clarify the roles of prostaglandinE2 (PGE2), transforming growth factor- 1 (TGF- ) and tumor necrosis factor- TNF- ). Main methods: Seven groups of rats were orally pretreated with Tween20 as vehicle control group; Tween20 as ulcer group; 20 mg/kg of omeprazole as reference drug group; and100, 200,500 and 1000 mg/kg of extract as experimental groups. An hour later, ulcer was induced by oral administration of 95% ethanol, except in the vehicle control group.Results showed significant ulcer protective effects through reduction of ulcer area and increase of ulcer inhibition by significant elevation ofgastricpH and increase ofmucus production. In addition, significant increasein levels of inflammatory mediators PGE2 and TGF- 1 and decrease in TNF- were observed in the groups pretreated with P. macrocarpa compared with ulcer control group. In conclusion,our results suggested that P. macrocarpa pretreatment has protective effects against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in rats by significantly stimulating inflammatory mediators PGE2, TGF- 1 and reducing TNF- which effect in the increase production of mucus and stomach pH to provide a protective environment against the offensive factors. Key words: Gastroprotective PGE2 TGF- 1 Phaleria macrocarpa TNF- INTRODUCTION Numerous medications can be used to treat gastric Gastric ulcer is one of the most widespread famotidine function as medications of gastric ulcer by diseases in the world. Gastric ulcersare localized inhibiting the secretion of gastric acid. However, despite breaches of the gastric mucosa, with tissue 80% to 100% rate of healingthrough 4 to 8 weeks when destruction at least to the depth of the muscularis proton pump inhibitors and H2-antagonists are used, the mucosa [1]. Gastric ulcer accounts for the highest ulcer returns at a rate of 40% to 80%when therapy is percentage of affliction among diseases worldwide due stopped [4]. In addition, most of these medications have to rising levels of stress experienced by humans, side effects with long-term use. Therefore, new alcohol consumption, long-term anti-inflammatory therapeutic anti-ulcer agents that are more efficient and drug intake (such as aspirin and indomethacin) safe are necessary. In this framework, studies on the use thatlead to gastric ulcer and nutritional deficiencies [2]. of medicinal plants in preventing and treating diverse The disruptions between endogenous offensive factors pathologies are underway[5]. Natural products are (such as pepsin, hydrochloric acid, refluxed bile, important in pharmaceutical manufacturing; they are also reactive oxygen speciesand leukotrienes) and possible sources of bioactive molecules. Numerous plants endogenous defensive factors (such as bicarbonate and their derivatives, such as flavonoids, alkaloids and mucus barrier, mucosal blood flow,prostaglandins, cell phenolic acids,have large potential for treatingvarious proliferation and enzymatic and non-enzymatic diseases, including gastric ulcer. A large number of antioxidants)are important physio-pathological medicinal plants with gastroprotective potential have characteristics of gastric ulcer [3]. been reported in the literature [6-9]. ulcer. H2-antagonists omeprazole, ranitidine and