Local and systemic effects of aging on acute pancreatitis

Abstract

Introduction: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Aging process has been found to influence the course and outcome of AP. The aim of this study was to evaluate the local and systemic effects of aging on severity of AP in an experimental model. Methods: AP was induced in male Wistar rats by intraductal 2.5% taurocholate injection and divided into 2 experimental groups Young (n = 20): 3 month old rats and Aged (n = 20): 18 month old rats. Two and 24 hours after AP blood were collected for determinations of amylase, AST, ALT, urea, creatinine, glucose, and of plasma ileal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP). TNF-alpha and IL-6 levels were determined in serum. Liver mitochondrial oxidation and phosphorylation, liver malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, and pulmonar myeloperoxidade (MPO) activity were also performed. Bacterial translocation was evaluated by bacterial cultures of pancreas. Results: A significant increase in serum amylase, AST, ALT, urea, creatinine, glucose, I-FABP, and IL-6 levels, and a reduction in serum TNF-alpha levels were observed in the aged group compared to the young group. Liver mitochondrial dysfunction, MDA contents, and pulmonary MPO activity were increased in the aged group compared to the young group. Also, a significant increase in positive bacterial cultures obtained from pancreas tissue in aged group was significantly increased compared to young rats (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that aging influences the course of acute pancreatitis evidenced by increased local and systemic lesions and the increased in bacterial translocation.