Comparative Effects of D-002, Ranitidine and Omeprazole on Acetic Acid-induced Ulcers

D-002, a mixture of six higher aliphatic primary alcohols from beeswax, has been shown to produce gastroprotective effects mediated by increased gastric mucus secretion, improved mucus composition, and the reduction of lipid peroxidation. D-002 is able to heal acetic acid-induced gastric ulcers in rats, but its effects on this model had not been compared with those of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) or histamine 2-receptor (H2RA). This study compared the effects of D-002, omeprazole, and ranitidine on acetic acid-induced gastric ulcers in the rat, and on the associated neutrophil infiltration and angiogenesis in the ulcerated areas. Rats were randomized into eight groups: a vehicle control and seven with acetic acid-induced ulceration: a positive control, two D-002 (200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively), two omeprazole (5 and 10 mg/kg), and two ranitidine (25 and 50 mg/kg) groups. Gastric ulcers were produced by serosal application of acetic acid. Ulcer indexes and histological assessment were done. Significant reductions of ulcer indexes were seen with D-002 (200 and 400 mg/kg) (49% and 60%, respectively), omeprazole (5 and 10 mg/kg) (39% and 61%), and ranitidine (25 and 50 mg/kg) (52% and 68%). All treatments reduced ulcer sizes and inflammatory infiltrates, with signs of reepithelization, both groups of D-002 and the highest dose of omeprazole showed the greatest effect on angiogenesis. Concluding, at the doses tested, D-002 healed acetic acid-induced ulcers as effectively as omeprazole and ranitidine, an effect associated to the reduction of neutrophil infiltration and to the increase of restorative angiogenesis into the ulcerated areas