Antiulcer and Cluster of Differentiation-31 Properties of Cucumis melo L. on Indomethacin-Induced Gastric Ulceration in Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) usage has contributed to the increase in morbidity and mortality rate in the population with peptic ulcer disease and has led to the search of other means of treatment especially using dietary substances as preventive measures. Our study, therefore, investigated the effect of Cucumis melo aqueous extract on the indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer and the role of the cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31) in angiogenic response in male Wistar rats. Thirty male Wistar rats (130 ± 20 g) were divided into six groups (n = 5), viz Group I (control), II (ulcer untreated), and III-VI (ulcer and treated with 25, 50, 75 and 100% C. melo aqueous extract for two weeks). Animals were examined for gastric acid secretion by titrimetric method, and the ulcer was measured. Histological analysis and immunohistochemistry staining for expression of CD31 were carried out. Total gastric acidity was significantly decreased in the groups IV-VI (2.10 ± 0.18–1.03 ± 0.08 mEq/L compared to groups II (3.65 ± 0.15 mEq/L) and III (2.95 ± 0.27 mEq/L), p < 0.05. However, no significant difference in total gastric acidity in groups IV-VI compared to group I (1.04 ± 1.03 mEq/L) was observed. The ulcer score was significantly decreased in the groups IV-VI compared to groups II and III, and the incidence of ulcer was inhibited by 8.62, 47.59, 54.01, and 73.06% in groups III, IV, V and VI, respectively. Histological assessment revealed a moderate to mild ulceration in the gastric mucosa with few numbers of inflammatory cells in all groups pre-treated with C. melo extract. Immunohistochemical localisation of CD31 nuclei in the gastric mucosa cells was significantly decreased in the group II with an expression of 6.0% compared to group I (17.0%) and all the pre-treated groups with the extract (14.0–29.7%). In conclusion, antisecretory properties of C. melo extract at different concentrations were responsible for its anti-ulcer activity and accelerated healing of gastric ulcer via angiogenic activities.