Tilapia Head Glycolipid Alleviates Indomethacin-Induced Gastric Ulcer via Regulating Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Through COX/PGE2 Signaling Pathway in Adult Rats

The aim of this experiment was to investigate the ameliorative effect and molecular mechanism of tilapia head glycolipid(TH-GL)on indomethacin(IDM)-induced gastric ulcer in male Sprague Dawley(SD)rats.The gastric ulcer model was established by oral administration of 30mgkg^(-1) IDM after 7 days of TH-GL or omeprazole(OME)administration in rats.Then the macroscopic gastric injury symptoms,gastric mucosa protective factor cyclooxygenase 1(COX-1),cyclooxygenase 2(COX-2),prostaglandin E_(2)(PGE_(2)),the levels of oxidative stress,and inflammatory cytokine expression levels in the rats were analyzed.The experimental results showed that multiple ulcers appeared on the gastric surface of the rats in the model group.Compared to the model group,TH-GL significantly alleviated gastric ulcers and reduced the gastric damage index in rats.In addition,TH-GL significantly promoted the expression of constitutive enzyme COX-1 while inhibited the expression of inducible enzyme COX-2,and make PGE2 maintain at normal levels.TH-GL also inhibited oxidative stress and inflammatory responses,increased superoxide dismutase(SOD)activity and glutathione(GSH)content,decreased the level of malondialdehyde(MDA)and the content of pro-inflammatory factor.In conclusion,these results suggested that TH-GL could maintain the expression levels of COX-1 and PGE2 while inhibit the expression of COX-2 in the gastric of rat and then prevent IDM-induced gastric ulcer,which may be related to the regulation of oxidative stress and inflammatory response.Therefore,TH-GL might be a new option for the prevention of gastric diseases induced by IDM.

Optimization of the biphasic release of indomethacin from HPMC/pectin/calcium chloride matrix tablet by response surface methodology

We studied the effect of two independent variables, the pectin/calcium chloride weight ratio and the overall matrix weight in HPMC/pectin/calcium matrix tablet, on the release of indomethacin. A two-factor 5-level central composite experimental design was employed. Responses of the Peppas correlation parameters n and K and the 10% release time （T0.1） were optimized by response surface methodology. Significant effect of the independent variables on the biphasic release parameters, n and K, was observed. N, K and T0.1 were well fitted with the second-order quadratic equations rather than linear equations. Moreover, the mathematic fitting and the response surfaces showed significant cross-interaction between the pectin/calcium chloride ratio and the overall matrix weight. The optimal formulation with larger n, longer T0.1 and smaller K consisted of medium pectin/calcium chloride ratio around 1.0 and medium matrix weight around 200 mg. Validation studies on the optimal formulations showed good predictability of the n, K and T0.1 values with biases within the range of-7.33% and 6.26%. Our results support that central composite design can be used to optimize drug release from HPMC/pectin/calcium matrix tablet with high predictability.

Different cell kinetic changes in rat stomach cancer after treatment with celecoxib or indomethacin: Implications on chemoprevention

AIM: Mechanisms underlying the chemopreventive effects of cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors remain elusive. We have previously shown that celecoxib but not indomethacin could prevent carcinogen-induced gastric cancer development in Wistar rats. This chemopreventive effect appeared to be independent of COX-2 and prostaglandin (PG) E2 suppression since the lowest PGE2 was obtained in indomethacin group.This study compared the cell kinetic changes in stomachs of rats after treatment with celecoxib (5, 10, 20 mg/(kg·d)) or indomethacin (3 mg/(kg·d)) to gain more insights into the chemopreventive mechanism.METHODS: The apoptosis and proliferation indexes in gastric tumor, adjacent non-cancer tissues and normal gastric tissues were determined. Apoptosis was quantified by apoptotic nuclei counting and TUNEL, whereas proliferation was determined by Ki67 immunostaining.RESULTS: Treatment with either celecoxib or indomethacin inhibited gastric tumor proliferation by more than 65% (P＜0.02). However, celecoxib caused a dose-dependent increase in apoptosis (P＜0.05) which was not seen in indomethacin-treated tumors (P = 0.54). The highest apoptosis to proliferation ratio was seen in tumors treated with celecoxib at 10 mg/(kg·d). Treatment with this dose of celecoxib was associated with the lowest incidence of gastric cancer development.CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the difference in chemopreventive effects of indomethacin and celecoxib in this animal model of gastric carcinogenesis is largely due to the differential cell kinetic changes, which does not correlate with the degree of COX-2 and PG suppression.

Is rectal indomethacin effective in preventing of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis?

AIM: To investigate the effectiveness of rectally administered indomethacin in the prophylaxis of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis and hyperamylasaemia in a multicentre study.

Indomethacin suppresses growth of colon cancer via inhibition of angiogenesis in vivo

AIM: It has been reported that regular consumption of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like indomethacin decreases the incidence and mortality rate of a number of gastrointestinal cancers. We aimed to explore the efficacy and possible mechanisms of indomethacin on tumor growth and tumor angiogenesis of human colon cancer xenografts in nude mice. METHODS: MTT (thiazolyl blue) assay was used to assess the effect of indomethacin on cultured human colorectal cancer cell line HCT116. HCT116 cells were inoculated subcutaneously into BALB/c-nu/nu mice. After oral administration of indomethacin, 3 mg/kg·d for 4 wk, animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. Immunohistochemical staining was employed to determine the microvessel density (MVD) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in tumor tissues. RESULTS: Indomethacin, a non-selective COX inhibitor, significantly decreased the viability of HCT116 cells in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05) with 50% inhibition at approximately 318.2±12.7 μmol/L Growth of HCT116 cell tumor was significantly suppressed by indomethacin. The tumor volume was significantly decreased in the treated group (458.89±32.07 mm3) compared to the control group (828.21±31.59 mm3) (P<0.05). The MVD of the treated group (19.50±5.32) was markedly decreased compared to the control group (37.40±4.93) (P<0.001). The VEGF expression of the treated group (1.19±0.17) was obviously reduced as compared to the control group (1.90±0.48) (P<0.01). The decrease in MVD was positively correlated with the decrease of VEGF expression (rs = 0.714, P<0.05). We did not see gastrointestinal complications in the treated group and no differences were noted in the body weight of the mice between the two groups throughout the study CONCLUSION: Indomethacin can significantly decrease the viability of cultured HCT116 cells and retard human colorectal HCT116 cell tumor growth via inhibiting tumor angiogenesis, which might be through reduction of VEGF expression.

Protective Effect of Holothurian Intestine Against Indomethacin Induced Gastric Mucosal Damage in Rats

Our study aimed to investigate the protective effects of Holothurian intestines(HI) on NSAIDs-induced gastric mucosal damage and the possible mechanism. At first, 60 male Wistar rats were induced of gastric lesions with indomethacin(IDM, 30 mg kg^(-1)). The rats were pretreated for 15 consecutive days with saline, sucralfate, or HI(0.4g kg^(-1) d-1, 0.8 g kg^(-1) d^(-1) and 1.6 g kg^(-1) d^(-1)) prior to IDM treatment, followed by evaluations of macroscopic damage and microscopic features; and investigation of the levels of inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress parameters, gastric mucosal prostaglandin E2(PGE2) and total hexosamine in tissues. The expression of COX-1 and COX-2 m RNA in the gastric tissue were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction(q PCR). Pathological gastric ulcer indexes, levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines(IL-1β, IL-17, TNF-α) and lipid peroxidation were significantly decreased in HI-treated groups, whereas the levels of protective factors(TGF-β, GSH, SOD activity and PGE2) were significantly elevated especially in the group with HI 1.61 g kg^(-1) d^(-1)(P < 0.05). Furthermore, the expression of COX-2 mRNA decreased significantly in HI groups(P < 0.05). The study investigates that holothurian intestines may act as a kind of marine medicine which have protective effect on IDM-induced gastric ulcer, which could be a dietary preventive agent for the prevention of gastric damage.

Irsogladine maleate suppresses indomethacin-induced elevation of proinflammatory cytokines and gastric injury in rats

AIM： To investigate the mucosal protective effect and the mechanisms of action of the anti-ulcer drug irsogladine maleate in gastric injury induced by indomethacin in rats. METHODS： Gastric mucosal injury was induced in male Hos：Donryu rats by oral administration of indomethacin at a dose of 48 mg/kg. One hour before indomethacin treatment, animals were orally pretreated with irsogladine maleate at doses of 1 mg/kg, 3 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg. Four hours after indomethacin administration, the animals were sacrificed and their stomachs were rapidly removed and processed for the evaluation of gastric mucosal damage and the determination of the concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）, interleukin-1β （IL-1β）, IL-8 and myeloperoxidase （MPO） in mucosal tissues. RESULTS： Linear hemorrhagic mucosal lesions were observed primarily in the glandular stomach 4 h alter oral administration of indomethacin. Pretreatment with irsogladine maleate markedly reduced the number and severity of these lesions in a dose-dependent manner. The mucosal concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines （TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-8） and MPO, which indicates the degree of mucosal infiltration by neutrophils, increased concomitantly with the occurrence of gastric injury in the indomethacintreated rats. Pretreatment with irsogladine maleate significantly decreased the levels of these inflammatory factors in gastric tissue elicited by indomethacin.CONCLUSION： The mucosal protective effects afforded by irsogladine maleate on gastric injury induced by indomethacin are mediated by inhibition of mucosal proinflammatory cytokine production and neutrophil infiltration, leading to suppression of mucosal inflammation and subsequent tissue destruction.

Homopterocarpin contributes to the restoration of gastric homeostasis by Pterocarpus erinaceus following indomethacin intoxication in rats

Objective:To investigate the restorative effect of Pterocarpus erinaceus(P.erinaceus) and homopterocarpin.an isoflavonoid isolated from it.on indomethacin-indueed disruption in gastric homeostasis in rats.Methods:Adult rats were dn ided into five groups and lasted for 48 h before treatment.Group I received olive oil(vehicle),group 2 received 25 ing/kg indomethaein while groups 3-5 received cimetidine(100 mg/kg).lioniopterocarpin(25 mg/kg) and P.erinaceus ethanolie stem hark extract(100 mg/kg) respectively.After 1 h.all the groups except group 2 were administered 25 mg/kg of indomethacin.One hour later,the rats were sacrificed and the ulcer index and other gaslroprotective indices were evaluated.Results:Indomethacin caused significant injury to the stomach of the rats as reflected in the ulcer indices(9.0±1.4) as compared with that of control(2.0±0.0).Equally,there were significant increases in gastric acid concentration and malondialdehvde level in the stomachs of the ulcerated animals compared with the control.However mucus content,reduced gluthatione level and gastric pH were significantly reduced in the ulcerated animals compared with the control.Pretreatment with either Pterocarpus bark extract or homopterocarpin reversed the effects of indomethaein on the evaluated parameters.Conclusions:These results indicate that both homopterocarpin and Plerocarpus extract offered gastroprotection against indomethacin-induced ulcer by antioxidative mechanism and the modulation of gastric homeostasis.The results also suggest that homopterocarpin might he responsible for.or contribute to the antiulcerogenic property of P.erinaceus.

Effect of indomethacin on electrical field stimulation-induced contractions of isolated transverse and longitudinal rat gastric fundus strips

AIM: To study the effects of indomethacin on the isolated transverse and longitudinal rat gastric fundus strips.METHODS: The strips were suspended in an organ bath containing oxygenated Krebs solution, and contractile responses to electrical field stimulation were recorded on a physiograph in an isotonic manner after administration of cumulative concentrations of indomethacin. The effects of indomethacin on the strips pretreated with KATP channel modulators, diazoxide and glybenclamide were studied.RESULTS: Treatment of the transverse strips with indomethacin resulted in a concentration-dependent inhibitory response. In longitudinal strips, biphasic responses were seen, which included a stimulatory response at low concentrations of indomethacin, followed by an inhibitory response at higher concentrations.Diazoxide pre-treatment inhibited the stimulatory response of longitudinal strips. Glybenclamide pre-treatment not only blocked inhibitory effect of the low concentrations of indomethacin on transverse strips, but also increased the amplitude of contractions. Moreover, the drug decreased the amplitude of contractions in longitudinal strips.CONCLUSION: Responses of the isolated longitudinal and transverse rat gastric fundus strips to indomethacin are not similar, and are influenced by KATP channel modulators.

Aloe vera attenuated gastric injury on indomethacin-induced gastropathy in rats

AIM: To evaluate the protective effects of Aloe vera on gastric injury in rats with indomethacin (IMN)-induced gastropathy.

Alginate encapsulated mesoporous silica nanospheres as a sustained drug delivery system for the poorly water-soluble drug indomethacin

We applied a combination of inorganic mesoporous silica material,frequently used as drug carriers,and a natural organic polymer alginate(ALG),to establish a sustained drug delivery system for the poorly water-soluble drug Indomethacin(IND).Mesoporous silica nanospheres(MSNs)were synthesized using an organic template method and then functionalized with aminopropyl groups through postsynthesis.After drug loading into the pores of aninopropyl functionalized MSNs(AP-MSNs),IND loaded AP-MSNs(IND-AP-MSNs)were encapsulated by ALG through the ionic interaction.The effects of surface chemical groups and ALG layer on IND release were systematically studied using scanning electron microscopy(SEM),transmission electron microscopy(TEM),nitrogen adsorption,zetapotential analysis and TGA analysis.The surface structure and surface charge changes of the ALG encapsulated AP-MSNs(ALG-AP-MSNs)were also investigated.The results showed that sustained release of IND from the designed drug delivery system was mainly due to the blockage effect from the coated ALG.We believe that this combination will help designing oral sustained drug delivery systems for poorly water-soluble drugs.

Pre-Clinical Experimental Studies of Indomethacin-Releasing Copper Intrauterine Device

Effects of two types of intrauterine device (IUD) on the prostaglandins and endothelin (ET) in uterus and on the endometrial morphology in rats and rabbits, and Cu 2+ releasing amounts of both IUDs in vitro were observed. The results showed that the inhibiting action of the indomethacin releasing copper IUD (FICu IUD) on the PGI 2 was stronger than that on the TXA 2, the ratio of 6 keto PGF 1α /TXB 2 was reduced with the increase of the doses. There were significant differences between the groups. The FICu IUD could inhibit the rising of the ET level and lighten the endometrial impairment caused by the FCu IUD, and promote copper ion release. It was suggested that indomethacin released by FICu IUD could effectively reduce abnormal uterine bleeding.

Optimization of indomethacin loaded nanostructured lipid carriers

Topical administration is the most common and acceptable use for the treatment of ocular disease.However,the major problem of ocular drug delivery is the rapid drug elimination from the pre-ocular area leading to poor ocular bioavailability[1].Nanostructure lipid carriers(NLC)possess a significant enhancement in ocular bioavailability by increasing the permeability and mucoadhesive property[2].In this study,indomethacin(IND),non-steroidal anti-inflammatory,was used as a model drug[3].

Prostacyclin inhibition by indomethacin aggravates hepatic damage and encephalopathy in rats with thioacetamide-induced fulminant hepatic failure

AIM: Vasodilatation and increased capillary permeability have been proposed to be involved in the pathogenesis of acute and chronic form of hepatic encephalopathy. Prostacyclin (PGI2) and nitric oxide (NO) are important contributors to hyperdynamic circulation in portal hypertensive states. Our previous study showed that chronic inhibition of NO had detrimental effects on the severity of encephalopathy in thioacetamide (TAA)-treated rats due to aggravation of liver damage. To date, there are no detailed data concerning the effects of PGI2 inhibition on the severity of hepatic encephalopathy during fulminant hepatic failure. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 300-350 g were used. Fulminant hepatic failure was induced by intraperitoneal injection of TAA (350 mg/(kg·d) for 3 d. Rats were divided into two groups to receive intraperitoneal injection of indomethacin (5 mg/(kg·d), n = 20) or normal saline (N/S, n = 20) for 5 d, starting 2 d before TAA administration. Severity of encephalopathy was assessed by the counts of motor activity measured with Opto-Varimex animal activity meter. Plasma tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α, an index of liver injury) and 6-keto-PGF1α (a metabolite of PGI2) levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: As compared with N/S-treated rats, the mortality rate was significantly higher in rats receiving indomethacin (20% vs5%, P<0.01). Inhibition of PGI2 created detrimental effects on total movement counts (indomethacin vs N/S: 438±102 vs 841±145 counts/30 min, P<0.05). Rats treated with indomethacin had significant higher plasma levels of TNPa (indomethacin vs N/S: 22±5 vs 10±1 pg/mL, P<0.05) and lower plasma levels of 6-keto-PGF1α (P<0.001), but not total bilirubin or creatinine (P>0.05), as compared with rats treated with N/S. CONCLUSION: Chronic indomethacin administration has detrimental effects on the severity of encephalopathy in TAA-treated rats and this phenomenon may be attributed to the aggravation of liver injury. This study suggests that PGI2 may provide a protective role in the development of fulminant hepatic failure.

Two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis of indomethacin-treated human colon cancer cells

AIM: To establish the two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) profiles of indomethacin (IN)-treated human colon cancer cell line HCT116, and to provide a new way to study its anti-tumor molecular mechanism through analyzing a variety of protein maps.METHODS: Two-DE profiles of HCT116 were established in IN-treated and untreated groups. Total proteins were separated by immobilized pH gradient-based 2-DE. The gels were stained by silver, scanned by ImageScanner,and analyzed with Image Master software.RESULTS: Clear background, well-resolved and reproducible 2-DE patterns of HCT116 cells were acquired in IN-treated and untreated group. The average deviation of spot position was 0.896±0.177 mm in IEF direction and 1.106±0.289 mm in SDS-PAGE direction respectively. In IN-treated group,1 169±36 spots were detected and 1 061±32 spots were matched, the average matching rate was 90.6% in three gels. In untreated group, 1 256±50 spots were detected and 1 168±46 spots were matched, the average matching rate was 93.0% in three gels. Forty-five differential protein spots were displayed between IN-treated and untreated groups. Of which, 34 protein spots decreased and 9showed higher expression in IN-treated group, and only two protein spots showed an expression in untreated cells.CONCLUSION: Two-DE profiles of IN-treated and untreated HCT116 cells were established. Apparent 45 different protein spots were detected in IN-treated and untreated HCT116 cells. The analysis on differential protein spots may serve as a new way to study the molecule mechanism of IN-treated colon cancer.

Protective effect of Nigella sativa L.to gastric mucous of indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer rats

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of Nigella sativa L.as gastric protective on indomethacin-induced rats.METHODS the design of this research is randomized post test control group design.The rats were randomly divided into 5 groups which 5 rats in each.Rats were fasted for 8h before treatment.The first group was a control group(only gave aquadest as vehicle orally).The second group was subjected to induced with indomethacin 30mg·kg-1.The rest groups were subjected to induced by indomethacin and methanolic extract of Nigella sativa L.200,300 and 400mg·kg-1 every 8h for 24 h,respectively,for third,fourth and fifth group.Rats were sacrificed after anesthetized with ketamine and gastric were washed before observed.Macroscopic observation based on a score of lesion and microscopic observation on gastric based by histological HE staining.Whole data were analysis of an ANOVA statistical program.RESULTS The administration of Nigella sativa L.significantly decreased gastric ulcer macroscopically starting at dose 100,200 and 300mg·kg-1(P<0.05).Microscopic observation showed significant decreasing at dose 200 and 300mg·kg-1(P<0.05).Interestingly,there was no significant different between control and dose 300mg·kg-1.Negative correlation between lesion and doses were-0.919,-0.953 for macroscopic and microscopic lesion respectively.It means there was strong correlation between dose and lesion,higher dose lesser lesion.The mechanism of gastric protective of NigellasativaL.may caused by the bioactive compound such as thymoquinone which known as antiinflammation and antioxidant.CONCLUSION Methanolic extract of Nigella sativa L.decreased peptic ulcer both macroscopic and microscopic conditions on indomethacin-induced rats.

Synthesis of Indomethacin Conjugates with D-Glucosamine

Two series of indomethacin conjugates with D-glucosamine were prepared with theobjectives of reducing ulcerogenic potency, increasing the bioavailability of indomethacin andexerting the coordinative effects on osteoarthritis. The structures of the conjugates were identifiedby H NMR and C NMR. The ester conjugates inhibited edema as potent as indomethacin. 1 13

The Multi-Center Comparative Clinical Trial of the Second Generation of Indomethacin VCu and TCu380A

Objective To study the effectiveness and side effects of the modified new indomethacin VCu IUD Material & methods It is a randomized multi-center clinical trial. Indomethacin VCu and TCu380A were inserted in 2 000 healthy women in 6 clinical units including urban and rural area from May 1997 to Feb 1998, with 1 000 cases in each group. Follow up time were 6, 12, and 24 month after insertion. Results The clinical characteristics of subjects in two groups were similar. Follow up was completed in 98.25% of cases. The net cumulative continuous rate at 6 month was 95.5% in TCu380A group and 97.5% in Indomethacin VCu group (P<0.05); at 12 month it was 93.79% and 94.78% respectively; at 24 month it was 88.23% and 89.77% respectively. The expulsion rate was higher in T group than in V group during 24 months. Termination due to pregnancy and bleeding or pain was similar in two groups. The occurrence of menorrahgia, prolonged bleeding and abdominal pain was also higher in T group than that in V group during 24 months after insertion. Spotting was more often in T group in 12 month. On the other hand, more subjects complained hypomenorrhea in V group. The total B/S period, average B/S period and the longest B/S period were all longer in T group during 4～6 month after IUD insertion (P< 0.01). The amount of hemoglobin was similar in two groups before IUD insertion. At the end of study, the amount of hemoglobin in T group decreased compared with baseline (P<0.001), and was lower than V group at the same time (P<0.001), while no change was observed in V group. Conclusion Compared with TCu380A, the second generation of indomethacin VCu possess the same contraceptive effect and cumulative continuous rate and lower side effects such as bleeding and abdominal pain. VCu is more beneficial to reproductive health of women, therefore, is worth of clinical application.

Mitigation of indomethacin-induced gastric mucosal lesions by a potent specific type V phosphodiesterase inhibitor

AIM: To investigate the gastroprotective effect of vardenafil against indomethacin-induced gastric damage. METHODS: Forty-eight female Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into 6 groups. Group 1 received saline only. Group 2 (indomethacin) received indomethacin. Rats in group 3 and 4 were pretreated with different doses of famotidine. Group 5 and 6 were pretreated with different doses of vardenafil. Rats in groups 3 to 6 received 25 mg/kg indomethacin 30 min after pretreatment. The animals were sacrificed 6 h later and their stomachs were opened. Gastric lesions were counted and measured. The stomach of each animal was divided in two parts for histopathological examinations and nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) assays, respectively. RESULTS: There were no gastric mucosal lesion in the saline group but all rats in the indomethacin group had gastric mucosal ulcerations (ulcer count; 6.25 ± 3.49, and mean ulcer area; 21.00 ± 12.35). Ulcer counts werediminished with famotidine 5 mg/kg (4.12 ± 2.47, P > 0.05), 20 mg/kg (2.37 ± 4.43, P < 0.05), vardenaf il 2 mg/kg (4.37 ± 3.06), and vardenafil 10 mg/kg (1.25 ± 1.38, P < 0.05) compared to the indomethacin group. Gastric mucosal lesion areas were diminished with famotidine 5 mg/kg (8.62 ± 2.97, P < 0.001), famotidine 20 mg/kg (0.94 ± 2.06, P < 0.001), vardenafil 2 mg/kg (6.62 ± 5.87, P < 0.001), and vardenafil 10 mg/kg (0.75 ± 0.88, P < 0.001) compared to the indomethacin group. MDA levels were signif icantly higher in indometh-acin group (28.48 ± 14.51), compared to the famotidine 5 mg/kg (6,21 ± 1.88, P < 0.05), famotidine 20 mg/kg (5.88 ± 1.60. P < 0.05), vardenaf il 2 mg/kg (15.87 ± 3.93, P < 0.05), and vardenafil 10 mg/kg (10.97 ± 4.50, P < 0.05). NO concentration in gastric tissues of the fa-motidine groups were significantly increased (P < 0.05), but the NO increases in the vardenafil groups were not statistically significant. Histopathology revealed dimin-ished gastric damage for pretreatment groups compared to the indomethacin group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Vardenafil affords a significant dose-dependent protection against indomethacin induced gastric mucosal lesions in rats.