To reverse the adverse effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), researchers from the National Polytechnic Institute (IPN) in Mexico designed a therapeutic alternative with Omega 3 (docosahexaenoic acid, DHA). Their treatment protects the digestive system from ulcers, bleeding or gastrointestinal tract perforations, caused by NSAIDs.

The head of the Pharmacology Laboratory of the National School of Medicine and Homeopathy (ENMH), Aracely Evangelina Chávez Piña, stressed that the use of Omega 3 fatty acids, especially DHA (neuroprotective, cardioprotective and gastroprotective polyunsaturated fatty acid) has a protective effect at gastric and intestinal levels when NSAIDs are supplied (mainly indomethacin).

Chávez Piña explained that Omega 3 fatty acids are extracted from cold water fish, mainly salmon (which contains a higher percentage of fatty acids), since it feeds on plankton and invertebrates found in the Nordic countries. The specialist said that fatty acids can also be obtained from tuna and herring.

The working group carried out preclinical studies in laboratory rats, divided into four groups classified as: “under normal conditions”, “control of DHA”, “of damage” and “of treatment”. It was discovered that in the “damage” group, which was given indomethacin, the stomachs of the rats registered hemorrhagic lesions and did not have all their layers.

The group called “treatment” was also given indomethacin but treated with DHA. A remarkable decrease in the number of lesions was discovered and it was found that they had all the layers that protect the digestive tract.

The researcher initiated the patent process for the use of DHA combined with NSAIDs, especially indomethacin and naproxen, because its therapeutic efficacy was proven by offering gastric safety during the consumption of these drugs.

Chávez Piña explained that the world population suffers from injuries caused by the consumption of NSAIDs, such as indomethacin, aspirin, diclofenac and naproxen. “To avoid gastric damage, they are co-administered with omeprazole (proton pump inhibitors), but generate adverse or harmful events in the intestine,” he added.

The scientist said that NSAIDs produce physicochemical alterations that cause the complete rupture of the gastric mucosa barrier. Also, she said, causes systemic damage by causing alterations in the gastrointestinal tract, increase acid secretion and damage the intestinal microbiota, as well as bleeding from gastric ulcers. “These substances have an analgesic-anti-inflammatory effect but, at the same time, they generate gastric and intestinal problems. Hence the importance of this investigation,” she concluded.

 

Source: La Jornada