Baicalein mitigates Indomethacin-Induced Gastric Ulcer in Rats: Involvement of the PI3K/Akt/NF-kB pathway

Background: Peptic ulcer is a major health concern. Compared to other NSAIDs, indomethacin (IND) typically has a higher ulcerogenic potential. As a flavonoid, baicalein (Baic) has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities.Objective: to evaluate the gastroprotective impact of Baic on stomach ulcers caused by IND and to identify any possible underlying processes. Material and Methods: Thirty male rats were split into three: control, Ulcer, Ulcer+ Baic (10/group). Gastric ulcer index values, gastric PH, gastric PGE2, gastric MDA, gastric SOD, gastric TNF-α, gastric IL-1β, and gastric genes expression of NF-kB, PI3K, and Akt were evaluated. In addition to histolopathological and COX2 immunohistochemical evaluation of gastric tissue were performed. Results: The Ulcer group showed substantially higher gastric ulcer index values, gastric MDA, gastric TNF-α, gastric IL-1β, and gastric gene expression of NF-kB and gastric COX2 immunoreaction with dramatically decline in gastric PH values, gastric SOD, gastric PGE2 and gastric genes expression of PI3K and Akt compared to the control. Baic dramatically improved IND-induced changes in gastric tissue.Conclusion: Baic has gastroprotective benefits in rats with IND-induced ulcers via modifying the Akt/Pi3k/NF-kB signaling pathway and by having anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities.