Lansoprazole, a Proton Pump Inhibitor, to Reduce Gastrointestinal Inflammation via Heme Oxygenase-1 Induction

Lansoprazole, a proton pump inhibitor, inhibits acute inflammatory reactions as well as intestinal mucosal injuries induced by ischemia-reperfusion or indomethacin administration in rats. These cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory actions induced by lansoprazole are demonstrated to be independent of acid inhibition. In in vitro study, lansoprazole can induce the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in epithelial as well as inflammatory cells, and exerts anti-inflammatory effect dependent on HO-1 expression. Furthermore, NF-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2)/keap-1 system plays an important role in HO-1 expression induced by lansoprazole. In this article, we have focused on lansoprazole-induced HO-1 expression, its anti-inflammatory action, and the role of Nrf2 in its expression.