The synergistic protective effects of bioactive catechins in longjing tea: alleviate indomethacin-induced gastric toxicity through modulation of inflammatory and apoptotic pathways

Abstract

and consumed tea products worldwide. Although interest in Longjing tea (LT) has grown due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, studies exploring its potential health effects remain limited. The purpose of this study was to reveal the potential preventive effects of LT on oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis occurring in gastric ulcers induced by indomethacin. Methods – The composition of LT was determined using HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography). The control group received only tap water via the oral route for 14 days. The indomethacin-only group was administered 100 mg/kg indomethacin in a single oral dose following 24-h fasting. The indomethacin + famotidine group received 40 mg/kg famotidine via the oral route 1 hour before gastric ulcer induction. The members of the indomethacin + LT group received oral LT for 14 consecutive days. A gastric ulcer was induced after 24-h of fasting, and the experimental groups were sacrificed at the end of the sixth hour. Malondialdehyde, glutathione, cyclooxygenase 1 and 2, vascular endothelial cell growth factor A, nuclear factor kappa B, cleaved Poly ADP-ribose polymerase, pan-Akt, and p-Akt levels were examined at the tissue level. Results – Oxidative stress and inflammation, increased by indomethacin, activated the apoptotic cascade. LT showed partial anti-oxidative changes but significantly suppressed PARP-1 expression. The limited bioavailability of catechins may have restricted protective efficacy. Conclusion – The research showed that LT may be a promising agent with partial antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties.