Gastroprotection induced by capsaicin in healthy human subjects.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the gastro-protective effect of capsaicin against the ethanol- and indomethacin (IND)-induced gastric mucosal damage in healthy human subjects.


METHODS
The effects of small doses (1-8 microg/mL, 100 mL) of capsaicin on the gastric acid secretion basal acid output (BAO) and its electrolyte concentration, gastric transmucosal potential difference (GTPD), ethanol- (5 mL 300 mL/L i.g.) and IND- (3x25 mg/d) induced gastric mucosal damage were tested in a randomized, prospective study of 84 healthy human subjects. The possible role of desensitization of capsaicin-sensitive afferents was tested by repeated exposures and during a prolonged treatment.


RESULTS
Intragastric application of capsaicin decreased the BAO and enhanced "non-parietal" component, GTPD in a dose-dependent manner. The decrease of GTPD evoked by ethanol was inhibited by the capsaicin application, which was reproducible. Gastric microbleeding induced by IND was inhibited by co-administration with capsaicin, but was not influenced by two weeks pretreatment with a daily capsaicin dose of 3x400 microg i.g.


CONCLUSIONS
Capsaicin in low concentration range protects against gastric injuries induced by ethanol or IND, which is attributed to stimulation of the sensory nerve endings.
Mózsik
Gyula
G
First Department of Medicine, Medical and Health Center, University of Pécs, Hungary. gyula.mozsik@aok.pte.hu
Szolcsányi
János
J
Rácz
István
I
D000328:Adult; D002211:Capsaicin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; D019610:Cytoprotection; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D000431:Ethanol; D006801:Humans; D007213:Indomethacin; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012016:Reference Values; D013272:Stomach Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000517:prevention & control*
D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; D000431:Ethanol; D002211:Capsaicin; D007213:Indomethacin