Folic acid protects and heals gastric mucosa: role of acid output, inflammatory cytokines, angiogenic and growth factors

Abstract

Abstract Background Folic acid modulates gastrointestinal inflammatory disorders via a number of suggested gastroprotective mechanisms. Gastric acid, inflammation, cell proliferation and angiogenesis play significant role in gastroprotection and restoration of gastrointestinal mucosal integrity following injury. This two-section-study assessed (1) acid output, parietal cell mass, neutrophil infiltration and inflammation after 6 h pyloric ligation, and (2) healing via inflammation, mucosa cell proliferation and angiogenesis in acetic acid induced gastric ulcer in albino Wistar rats upon pre-treatment with Folic acid (FA). Results Folic acid significantly lessens the mucosa injury associated with pylorus ligation in a dose-dependent manner. Acid output, parietal cell mass and neutrophil infiltration reduced significantly when compared with the control group. In the acetic acid ulcer group, FA equally reduced ulcer severity (p < 0.05). Moreover, EGFR and Ki-67 were enhanced, while CD31 and Factor VIII were significantly enhanced only on day 10. Also, EGF and VEGF were enhanced, but TNF-α and IL-1β were suppressed in favour of IL-4 and IL-10 dose-dependently in both studies. Conclusion These results suggest that folic acid supplementation protects the stomach mucosa with reduced gastric acid and inflammation, and also accelerates the healing of ulcers via enhanced mucosal cell proliferation and angiogenesis.