ROMAN O. BUDKEVICH, IVAN A. EVDOKIMOV, JOSEFINA V. BUCHAKHCHYAN, LUDMILA R. ALIEVA,  ELENA V. BUDKEVICH*
*Corresponding author
North Caucasus Federal University, Kulakov Prospect 2, 355029, Stavropol, Russia

Abstract

The effect of a functional dairy product supplemented with chitosan and sodium alginate was examined in an experimental rat model of stomachal aspirin damage. The administration of aspirin solution (200 mg/kg) led to the appearance of erosive and ulcerative lesions within 24 h in all groups w except the rats fed the experimental dairy product. The dairy product had a clear protective effect, as observed by the decrease in the injury locus and the stability of the mitotic index. However, the mechanisms underlying the positive effect of the dairy product supplemented with chitosan and sodium alginate should be further investigated.

INTRODUCTION

Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) pathology, including gastritis and gastric ulcer, is widespread among the population. The importance of this problem is demonstrated by the increasing number of people with this pathology and the numerous etiological factors of the disease. Aspirin (ASP) is the most popular and frequently prescribed drug belonging to the group of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (1). NSAIDs often cause disturbances in the function of the gastrointestinal tract that are accompanied by gastrointestinal lesions (2).
Functional foods are one of the most important components of health promotion. The effectiveness of dairy products, particularly against GIT pathology, has been known for a long time and has been repeatedly confirmed (3-5). In specific, the antioxidant and healing effects of natural polysaccharides, such as chitosan and sodium alginate, were recently discussed (6). Furthermore, a synergistic anti-ulcer effect may be exhibited by the combination of milk, cream, and polysaccharides. Thus, through the development of functional products, it may be possible to treat people with stomach lesions who have un ...