D-002 treatment attenuates esophagitis in a model of chronic gastro-esophageal reflux in rats

To investigate the effects of D-002 (beeswax alcohols) on esophagitis induced by chronic gastroesophageal reflux (c-GER) in rats. Rats were randomized into a sham and five groups subjected to cGER: a positive vehicle control, three D-002 (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg), and one omeprazole (20 mg/kg) group, all treated orally for seven days. cGER was induced by ligation of the junction between the forestomach and the duodenal side of the pylorus. Esophageal lesions index (ELI), esophageal malondialdehyde (MDA) and sulfhydril groups (SHG) concentrations were assessed. The positive control group exhibited macroscopically signs of esophageal injury assessed in term of ELI, which was significantly higher than in the negative control. D-002 (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) reduced the ELI, showing 30.5, 72.9 and 76.4% protection, respectively; and also significantly attenuated the increased MDA (37.4, 63.6 and 94.2%, respectively) and SHG (16.6, 41.6 and 72.9%, respectively) esophageal concentrations versus the positive control. Omeprazole decreased the ELI (80.2%), MDA (99.3%) and SH (85.4%) esophageal concentrations. As conclusions, this study suggest that repeated oral administration with D-002 protects against reflux esophagitis and decreases esophageal lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation markers in rats with c-GER.