Folic acid protects and heals gastric mucosa: role of acid output, inflammatory cytokines, angiogenic and growth factors

Abstract

Folic acid modulates gastrointestinal inflammatory disorders via a number of suggested gastroprotective mechanisms. Gastric acid, inflammation, cell proliferation and angiogenesis play significant role in gastroprotection and restoration of gastrointestinal mucosal integrity following injury. This two-section-study assessed (1) acid output, parietal cell mass, neutrophil infiltration and inflammation after 6 h pyloric ligation, and (2) healing via inflammation, mucosa cell proliferation and angiogenesis in acetic acid induced gastric ulcer in albino Wistar rats upon pre-treatment with Folic acid (FA).