NSAIDs are among the most common drugs that cause these presented results, hence a traveled peptic ulcer being a clear contraindication to their use. An explanation of the cause of such serious damage should be clarified in order to protect the gastric mucosa. The mechanism of healing of such gastrointestinal damage may involve the production of mucus by the epithelial cells. It is a barrier coating between the hydrochloric acid contained in the food, and gastric mucosa. The factors that stimulate the production of mucus are PGE2 and PGI2. These eicosanoids by stimulating the secretion of bicarbonate can modify the composition of mucus, thereby improving its protective function. The integrity and possibility of regeneration depend on the amount of oxygen delivered via blood. Another important mechanism for the protection of epithelial cells is impermeability to ionized substances. Hydrogen ions are not able to access the lumen of the vessels and the sodium ions are not able to access gastric lumen. Our previous studies indicated that ketoprofen had a strong damaging effect on the lining of the stomach [7]. Moreover, we demonstrated that zinc (as hydroaspartate salt)
in single or subchronic administration enhanced the anti-inflammatory activity of ketoprofen in rats [8].
The aim of the present study was to assess the analgesic, antiinflammatory and anti-ulcerogenic activity of zinc hydroaspartate administered chronically (for two weeks) and its impact on ketoprofen effect in rats.