Effects of glutamine on level of cytokines in serum of rats with severe acute pancreatitis

Abstract

Objective To explore the effects of glutamine (Gln) on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α),interleukin-6(IL-6),and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in rats with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP).Methods 54 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups ( n =18 for each group):Gln treatment group ( Gln),SAP model group (SAP),and negative control group (NC).SAP was induced by injection of 4％ sodium taurocholate through common bile duct with a fine needle and the puncture hole in the bile duct was closed by medical sealant glue.Sham operation was performed in the rats of NC group.Rats in Gln group received Gln injection and rats in SAP group and NC group received normal saline instead of Gln.Ascites volume and blood amylase were measured at 3,6 and 12 hours after injection and plasma cytokines were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Gross and histological changes of pancreas were evaluated by a scoring system.Results The ascites volume,serum amylase level,gross and histological scores,TNF-α level,and IL-6 level were significantly higher in SAP group than in NC group at each time point(P＜0.05).IL-10 level was significantly higher in SAP group than in NC group at 3 hour point(P＜0.05).The ascites volume,serum amylase level,and gross and histological scores were significantly lower in Gln group than in SAP group at the time point of 3 hour and 6 hour after injection( P ＜ 0.05 ).Level of TNF-α and IL-6 was significantly lower in Gln group than in SAP group at each time point( P ＜0.05 ).IL-10 level was lower in Gln group than in SAP group at 3 hour point( P ＜0.05 ).Conclusion Gln is effective in SAP treatment by decreasing the serum level of proinflammatory cytokine and ameliorating the pathological damage of pancreatic tissues in rats. Key words: Glutamine; Severe acute pancreatitis; Cytokine