Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton Extract Ameliorates Inflammation and Hyperalgesia through Oxidative Stress Inhibition in Experimental Acute Pancreatitis.

Danielle Gomes Santana,Alan Santos Oliveira,Marília Trindade De Santana Souza,Renata Grespan,Enilton Aparecido Camargo,Ana Mara De Oliveira E Silva,Neuza Mariko Aymoto Hassimotto,José Thiago Do Carmo Santos

doi:10.1155/2018/9646937

Abstract

We evaluated the effect of the hydroethanolic extract of fruits of Vaccinium macrocarpon (HEVm) in a model of acute pancreatitis (AP) in mice. AP was induced by two injections of L-arginine and animals were treated with HEVm (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) or vehicle (saline) every 24 h, starting 1 h after the induction of AP. Phytochemical analysis of the extract and measurement of inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters, as well as abdominal hyperalgesia, were performed. Catechin, epicatechin, rutin, and anthocyanins were identified in HEVm. Treatment with HEVm decreased L-arginine-induced abdominal hyperalgesia (from 48 to 72 h). Also, treatment with HEVm decreased L-arginine-induced pancreatic edema, pancreatic and pulmonary neutrophil infiltration, and levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6, after 72 h of induction. L-arginine-induced hyperamylasemia and hyperlipasemia were also reduced by the treatment with HEVm in comparison to vehicle-treated group. Moreover, lipoperoxidation, carbonyl radicals, nonprotein sulfhydryl groups, and activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase, but not glutathione peroxidase, were restored by the treatment with HEVm. These results show that treatment with HEVm decreased hyperalgesia and pancreatic/extrapancreatic inflammation and oxidative damage in L-arginine-induced AP, making this extract attractive for future approaches designed to treat this condition.

Highlights

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a disease that leads to pancreatic inflammation, related to the premature activation of digestive enzymes
The need for new experimental alternatives to treat AP is still a challenge, since there are no specific treatments for clinical management of this disease [3]
In this study we present data that demonstrates that hydroethanolic extract of fruits of Vaccinium macrocarpon (HEVm) can modulate the inflammatory response in pancreas and lung and abdominal hyperalgesia during L-arginine-induced AP

Summary

Introduction

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a disease that leads to pancreatic inflammation, related to the premature activation of digestive enzymes. The incidence of this disease has increased in recent years [1] which has contributed to a significant increase in mortality, mainly caused by complications of this condition such as the systemic inflammatory response [2]. The treatment of AP is primarily symptomatic and based on the initial evaluation of disease severity. The lack of specific therapy for AP along with the high mortality rates observed in severe cases makes experimental studies to find new treatment alternatives of great interest.

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Conclusion