Histomorphometric and Immunohistochemical Effects of Coconut Oil on Alcohol-Induced Gastric Ulcer

Alcohol is a well-known damaging agent to the gastric mucosa. Excessive alcohol ingestion is no doubt a cause of human gastric ulcer. Coconut oil has been reputed to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It contains polyphenol and other very important compound of medical importance. The aim of this study is to evaluate the immunohistochemical effects of Coconut Oil (CO) on gastric ulcer in wistar rats.  Materials/Method Twenty rats weighing 80-120g were divided into four groups with five rats in each group. Induction of gastric ulcer was done through oral administration after the animals were fasted for 24hrs with 0.5ml of 90% ethanol. Group A (control) received distilled water; Group B received alcohol + Coconut oil; Group C received alcohol + Omeprazole while Group D received alcohol once daily. Animal treatment was for 4 weeks after which they were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. The stomach was harvested and blood samples obtained by cardiac puncture. Samples were subjected to immunohistological and biochemical analysis.  Results The results showed that there was gastric ulceration in group D while groups B and C showed marked mucosa repair on histological evaluation. There was increased presence of Nrf2 in group D whereas it was significantly reduced in groups B and C. There was significant increase in MDA levels in group D while it was significantly decreased in groups B and C when compared with group A (P<0.05). There was significant decrease in SOD levels in group D while it was significantly increased in groups B compared with the control (P<0.05).  Conclusion The results from this study showed that Coconut oil has ameliorative potential on alcohol induced gastric ulcer.