Orally administered phenylbutazone causes oxidative stress in the equine gastric mucosa.

The research indicates that orally administered phenylbutazone, a widely used drug in equine medicine, can cause oxidative stress in a horse’s gastric mucosa, which may contribute to stomach injuries. The study investigated various antioxidant and oxidant parameters in the horses’ gastric mucosa to reach the conclusion.

Objectives of the Research

The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effect of phenylbutazone (PBZ) on the antioxidant/oxidant parameters of a horse’s gastric mucosa. The main focus was on:

• Analysing the levels of antioxidants and oxidants in the gastric mucosa
• Exploring the changes in levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and glutathione (GSH)
• Evaluating the ulcerative lesions score after PBZ administration

Methodology and Approach

Through this study, the levels of antioxidants, oxidants, PGE2, MPO, and GSH in the gastric mucosa of horses were analysed. The variables assessed in the study were:

• Concentrations of antioxidants like Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT)
• Concentration of oxidants like nitric oxide (NO), total glutathione (GSH), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and Malondialdehyde (MDA)
• PGE2 levels
• Ulcerative lesions score

Findings of the Study

The observations from the study indicated that the administration of PBZ led to the following changes:

• Decreased levels of antioxidant variables
• Increased levels of oxidant variables
• Alterations in levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and glutathione (GSH)

Conclusion of the Study

The results of the study suggested that PBZ can induce oxidative stress in the gastric glandular mucosa of horses by altering the antioxidant-oxidant balance on the surface, potentially leading to gastric injuries. Hence, the researchers propose considering the induction of oxidative stress as another mechanism of gastric injury in horses due to PBZ.