Gastric cytoprotection by tetraprenylacetone in human subjects

We assessed the inhibition by tetraprenylacetone (TPA) of gastric mucosal damage caused by ethanol in human subjects. Seventeen healthy volunteers were given either TPA (a 50-mg capsule) or a placebo 3 times daily for 5 days. Then, 20 ml of 70% ethanol were sprayed onto the gastric antrum and 15 min later, visible mucosal lesions were evaluated with an endoscope, and biopsy specimens were taken from mucosa that looked normal but had been sprayed with ethanol. The specimens were observed by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The gross mucosal damage was significantly less (p less than 0.05) in the subjects given TPA than in those given the placebo. Hyperemia and hemorrhage in the mucosa and surface epithelial damage were also significantly less (p less than 0.05) in the subjects given TPA. The results suggested that TPA protects the gastric mucosa from damage by ethanol as judged not only by the gross appearance of the mucosa but also by microscopic observation.