Assessment of gastroprotective activity of aqueous leaf extract of Ageratum conyzoides L.: Role of mucous cells, anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2) and tumor suppressor (p53) proteins

Generally, factors that up-regulate gastric mucosal protective factors or down-regulate aggressive factors contribute to the maintenance of mucosal integrity. This study was done to assess the role of mucous cells, Bcl-2 and p53 proteins during the gastroprotective activity of aqueous extract of Ageratum conyzoides.

The phytochemistry of A. conyzoides extract was analyzed using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometer. Animals were subdivided into five groups, including non-treated normal control group A, non-treated test control group B, and treated groups C-E (Pre-treated with 100, 300, and 500 mg/kg A. conyzoides, respectively for 28 days). After the treatment period, pyloric-ligation was used to induce mucosal injury. Gastric tissues were harvested, grossly examined, and processed for histological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical studies. Stained sections were examined and quantified using image-J software. The data were analyzed using IBM-SPSS (version 23), and comparisons were checked via t test and analysis of variance.

Mild mucosal erosion was observed in the treated groups, but intense erosion was prominent in the test control animals. There was an insignificant increase in mucous cells, a significant (P < 0.05) increase in Bcl-2 expression without a significant increase in p53 expression in gastric mucosa of pre-treated animals compared to normal control. Gastric mucosa of test control showed a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in mucous cell count and Bcl-2 expression with a significant concomitant increase in p53 expression.

Increased mucous cell population and reciprocal expressions of Bcl-2 and p53 proteins in the gastric mucosa of animals highlighted the sub-cellular mechanisms of gastroprotective activity of A. conyzoides.