Pterostilbene (grape flavonoid) mitigates gastric ulcer events in vivo: biochemical and histopathological approaches

Gastric ulcers are one of the major public health burdens in the modern era, with increased complications that could be a result of alcohol abuse or H. pylori infection. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential and acute toxicity effects of Pterostilbene (PSB) in ethanol-mediated gastropathy, as well as its underlying molecular mechanism, in rats. Gastric ulcers are provoked by absolute ethanol (5 mL/kg, i.g.) in male Sprague-Dawley rats after receiving oral treatments: physiological saline (negative, 5 mL/kg), omeprazole (positive control, 20 mg/kg), and PSB (30 and 60 mg/kg). PSB pretreatment significantly alleviated clinical signs, reduced the macroscopic ulcer index, and improved gastric mucosal morphology, including gastric defense barriers (mucus and glycoprotein production). PSB Pretreatment improved ethanol-mediated microscopical alterations, as indicated by reduced submucosal oedema, decreased hemorrhagic/lesion areas, and restoration of mucosal integrity. PSB down-regulated apoptotic actions (reduced P53 and increased Bcl-2 protein expression), lowered inflammatory conditions (decreased TNF-α, IL-6, and increased IL-10), and limited oxidative stress tissue injuries (up-regulated SOD, CAT, and PGE2 while lowering MDA). The PSB gastroprotection may be linked to a strengthened gastric defense and anti-oxidative/anti-inflammatory pathways, ultimately curbing apoptotic actions by modulating death signals, P53, and Bcl-2 proteins. The outcomes present PSB as a viable nutraceutical and biopharmaceutical product for managing stomach disorders, including gastric ulcers.