Gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, and nephroprotective effects of thymol against the adverse effects of acetylsalicylic acid in rats: Biochemical and histopathological studies

Acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin) has been used for a long time as an antipyretic and analgesic. Nevertheless, aspirin use is associated with severe morbidity and death because of its detrimental impacts on several organs, including the liver, kidneys, and stomach. The current investigation sought to ascertain the influence of thymol in mitigating aspirin-mediated gastric and hepato-renal injury. This was done by 1) evaluating gastric juice volume and pH as well as pepsin and prostaglandin E2 level; 2) measuring serum biochemical parameters and proinflammatory cytokines; 3) determining tissue oxidant/antioxidant status, and 4) identifying a link with gastric, hepatic and renal histopathological changes. Forty-eight rats were segregated to six groups: normal control, Th100, Th200, ASA, Th100 + ASA, Th200 + ASA. Daily administration of aspirin (ASA, 150 mg/kg body weight) for 3 successive days induced a significant increase in gastric juice volume, pepsin activity, serum transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, urea, creatinine, tumor necrosis factor-α, myeloperoxidase, and tissue malondialdehyde levels. In contrast, a significant reduction in gastric pH, prostaglandin E2, tissue non-enzymatic antioxidant (glutathione), and enzymatic antioxidant (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase) levels. These biochemical changes were accompanied by histological modifications that included changes to the normal gastric, hepatic, and renal architectures. Pretreatment and simultaneous oral treatment with thymol (100 or 200 mg/kg body weight) plus ASA significantly improved all biochemical and histological changes in a dose-dependent way. Thymol's antiinflammatory and antioxidative properties may contribute to its protective action. As a result, thymol may represent a promising medication for preventing aspirin-induced gastric, liver, and renal damage.