Comparative Analysis of Gastric Mucosal damage in Wistar Rats Subjected to Varying Doses of Ibuprofen

Gastric mucosal injury is a common condition affecting the gastrointestinal tract that is frequently caused by the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen. In this study, we determined the effect of various doses of ibuprofen on gastric mucosal damage in rat models. Male Wistar rats (n = 32) aged 12 weeks with body weights ranging from 200-250g were randomly assigned to two experimental doses of ibuprofen: 200mg/kg body weight (BW) and 300mg/kg BW for 1 day. Specific doses of ibuprofen in sterile water were orally administered to the rats on day 0, followed by treatment with distilled water. Rats were euthanized at 1-, 3-, 5-, and 7-days post treatment and gastric mucosa damage was assessed microscopically. Gastric mucosal damage was assessed based on five parameters: inflammation, epithelial defect, oxyntic atrophy, hemorrhage, and submucosal edema, using Roger’s modified (2012) histology activity index (HAI). Ibuprofen treatment at 200 and 300mg/kg BW significantly exacerbated gastrointestinal hemorrhage at 1-, 3-, 5- and 7-days post administration. Both doses can cause gastric mucosal injury on the first day post-treatment and persist longer at higher doses. Conclusively, administration of ibuprofen at 200mg/kg BW induced gastric mucosal damage, which was exacerbated at a higher dose of 300mg/kg BW.