Evaluation of the anti-ulcerative effects of lacosamide in a rat model of acetic acid-induced colitis

Abstract

Background and purpose: Colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with an unknown and complex etiology. Lacosamide is a known antiepileptic drug for which anti-inflammatory effects have been reported. This study investigates the ameliorative effects of lacosamide on acetic acid-induced colitis in rats.

Experimental approach: Male Wistar rats were divided into different interventional groups, including normal and control colitis groups (normal saline, 5 mL/kg), two colitis groups (dexamethasone, 1 mg/kg) and mesalazine (100 mg/kg), four colitis groups received oral lacosamide (10, 20, or 40 mg/kg), or lacosamide enema (10 mg/kg). The treatments were conducted for five days following disease induction by acetic acid (3.5%, 2 mL). Colitis indices in tissue samples, as well as biochemical factors such as myeloperoxidase (MPO), malondialdehyde (MDA), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), were assessed.

Findings/Results: The trend of body weight drop was stopped by using lacosamide. Colon weight as well as ulcer index significantly decreased in the groups that received lacosamide (10-40 mg/kg via oral or rectal) compared to the control group. Histological findings showed that lacosamide (10 and 20 mg/kg via oral and enema) reduced inflammation markers and tissue damage while causing tissue regeneration. Levels of MDA and MPO significantly decreased while FRAP increased in lacosamide (10 and 20 mg/kg) groups, both oral and via enema.

Conclusion and implications: Findings highlight the potential of lacosamide as an effective treatment in reducing inflammation and promoting ulcer healing. However, further studies are needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms of lacosamide's anti-inflammatory effects and to confirm these results in human disease.