Additive Effects of Rebamipide Plus Proton Pump Inhibitors on the Expression of Tight Junction Proteins in a Rat Model of Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease

• Published in: Gut and liver Vol. 12; no. 1; pp. 46 - 50
• Main Authors: Tae-geun Gweon, Jong-hyung Park, Byung-wook Kim, Yang Kyu Choi, Joon Sung Kim, Sung Min Park, Chang Whan Kim, Hyung-gil Kim, Jun-won Chung
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Korean
• Published: 대한소화기학회 30.01.2018
• Subjects: Gastroesophageal reflux; Rebamipide; Tight junction protein
• ISSN: 1976-2283; 2005-1212

Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of rebamipide on tight junction proteins in the esophageal mucosa in a rat model of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Methods: GERD was created in rats by tying the proximal stomach. The rats were divided into a control group, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) group, and a PPI plus rebamipide (PPI+R) group. Pantoprazole (5 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally to the PPI and PPI+R groups. An additional dose of rebamipide (100 mg/kg) was administered orally to the PPI+R group. Mucosal erosions, epithelial thickness, and leukocyte infiltration into the esophageal mucosa were measured in isolated esophagi 14 days after the procedure. A Western blot analysis was conducted to measure the expression of claudin-1, -3, and -4. Results: The mean surface area of mucosal erosions, epithelial thickness, and leukocyte infiltration were lower in the PPI group and the PPI+R group than in the control group. Western blot analysis revealed that the expression of claudin-3 and -4 was significantly higher in the PPI+R group than in the control group. Conclusions: Rebamipide may exert an additive effect in combination with PPI to modify the tight junction proteins of the esophageal mucosa in a rat model of GERD. This treatment might be associated with the relief of GERD symptoms. (Gut Liver 2018;12:46-50)