Sodium Taurocholate-induced Severe Acute Pancreatitis Research Articles

Gabexate Mesylate-Poloxamer 407 Conjugate Alleviates Sodium Taurocholate-Induced Severe Acute Pancreatitis in an Optimized Rat Model.

We have previously shown that gabexate mesylate-poloxamer 407 conjugate (GMTI) alleviates traumatic pancreatitis in rats. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic effect of GMTI on sodium taurocholate-induced severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) in an optimized rat model. An SAP rat model was established via microinjection of 3.5% sodium taurocholate and retention in the bile duct for 1min. SAP rats were administered GMTI via tail vein injection (i.v.) or tail vein injection + intraperitoneal injection (i.v. + i.p.). All rats were sacrificed at 12h after treatment. Biochemical approach and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were performed to measure the serum levels of amylase (AMY), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Hematoxylin and eosin staining and TUNEL assay were conducted to examine histopathology and acinar cell apoptosis in the rat pancreas. SAP was successfully induced in all model rats, as evidenced by progressively aggravating SAP symptoms and signs, pancreatic histopathological abnormalities, as well as elevated serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and AMY. The mortality rates at 1h, 6h, and 12h were 0%, 0%, and 25%, respectively. GMTI therapy via i.v. or i.v. + i.p. significantly reduced pancreatic wet weights, ascites amounts, pathological scores, and circulating levels of TNF-α and IL-6 while promoting acinar cell apoptosis in SAP rats. GMTI therapy via i.v. + i.p. outperformed i.v. in improving pancreatic histology and reducing TNF-α and IL-6 serum levels in SAP rats. Our optimized SAP rat model is reliable and reproducible. GMTI therapy is a promising approach against SAP.

LincRNA-EPS alleviates severe acute pancreatitis by suppressing HMGB1-triggered inflammation in pancreatic macrophages.

Acute pancreatitis (AP), an inflammatory disorder of the pancreas with a high hospitalization rate, frequently leads to systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). However, therapeutic targets for effective treatment and early intervention of AP are still urgently required to be identified. Here, we have observed that the expression of pancreatic lincRNA-EPS, a long intergenic non-coding RNA, is dynamically changed during both caerulein-induced AP (Cer-AP) and sodium taurocholate-induced severe AP (NaTc-SAP). The expression pattern of lincRNA-EPS is negatively correlated with the typical inflammatory genes such as IL-6, IL-1β, CXCL1, and CXCL2. Further studies indicate that knockout of lincRNA-EPS aggravates the pathological symptoms of AP including more induction of serum amylase and lipase, severe edema, inflammatory cells infiltration and acinar necrosis in both experimental AP mouse models. Besides these intrapancreatic effects, lincRNA-EPS also protects against tissue damages in the extra-pancreatic organs such as lung, liver, and gut in the NaTc-SAP mouse model. In addition, we have observed more serum pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 in the lincRNA-EPS-/- NaTc-SAP mice and more extracellular HMGB1 around injured acinar cells in the pancreas from lincRNA-EPS-/- NaTc-SAP mice, compared with their respective controls. Pharmacological inhibition of NF- B activity by BAY11-7082 significantly abolishes the suppressive effect of lincRNA-EPS on TLR4 ligand-induced inflammatory genes in macrophages. Our study has described a protective role of lincRNA-EPS in alleviating AP and SAP, outlined a novel pathway that lincRNA-EPS suppresses HMGB1-NF- B-dependent inflammatory response in pancreatic macrophages and provided a potential therapeutic target for SAP.

Effects of sildenafil on inflammatory injury of the lung in sodium taurocholate-induced severe acute pancreatitis rats

BackgroundInflammatory response and acute lung injury (ALI) occur in sodium taurocholate-induced severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). Because sildenafil has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and immune-modulating effects, we investigated its effect on inflammatory and lung injury in sodium taurocholate-induced SAP-associated ALI rat lung. MethodsSodium taurocholate-induced SAP rats received sildenafil (100 mg/kg) or not and were compared to age-matched normal control animals. We evaluated inflammatory response by detecting the expression of inflammatory factors including IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, and detected the level of lung injury through histopathological evaluation. Moreover, we also tested the protein expression of PCNA, P21, Bcl-2 and Bax in the lung. ResultsSildenafil administration rats had a low level of lung injury and inflammation. In addition, sildenafil significantly increased the expression of proliferation-related markers and decreased the expression of apoptosis-related markers in lung tissue. ConclusionsSildenafil administration may attenuate inflammation and lung injury by promoting proliferation and suppressing apoptosis in SAP rats.

SRT1720 ameliorates sodium taurocholate-induced severe acute pancreatitis in rats by suppressing NF-κB signalling.

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is a medical emergency that is often associated with multiple organ failure and high mortality. Although an SAP diagnosis requires prompt treatment, therapeutic options remain limited. SRT1720 is a newly formulatedSIRT1 activator that exerts multiple pharmacological activities with beneficial health effects. However, its potential as an SAP treatment has not been explored. The current study assessed the effect of SRT1720 on a rat model of sodium taurocholate-induced SAP and explored the underlying mechanism. SAP was induced in rats by retrograde injection of a 3.5% sodium taurocholate solution (1 ml/kg) in the biliopancreatic duct. SRT1720 (5 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally after sodium taurocholate exposure. Serum samples were analysed for inflammatory cytokine levels and select enzymatic activities using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and commercial enzyme activity assay kits, respectively; protein expression levels were evaluated by western blotting; mRNA levels of biomarkers were determined by quantitative real-time PCR; histopathological changes were analysed by haematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry.SRT1720 treatment significantly reduced serum amylase, lipase, pancreatic histological scores, proinflammatory cytokine (TNF-α and IL-6) levels, and expression of NF-κB and p65 in sodium taurocholate-induced SAP rats. Importantly, the treatment stimulated SIRT1 and IκBα levels in pancreatic tissue. Our data suggest that SRT1720 protects rats from sodium taurocholate-induced SAP by suppressing the NF-κB signalling pathway.

Exogenous leptin protects rat models of sodium taurocholate‑induced severe acute pancreatitis through endocrinal and immunological pathways.

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common non‑bacterial disease compromising pancreatic tissues. Adipocyte‑derived leptin is closely associated with the severity and clinical outcome of pancreatitis. The potential protective effects of exogenous leptin administration on a rat model of severe AP (SAP) remain to be elucidated, and were examined in the present study. Male Wistar rats were divided into a sham operation group (SO), SAP model group (SAP) and leptin group (LEP). Each group was divided into three sub‑groups by observation time (24, 48 and 72h). The SAP models were prepared by retrograde injection of 6% sodium taurocholate into the pancreatic‑bile duct. Following model establishment, exogenous leptin was intraperitoneally injected into mice at 50mg/kg in the LEP group. Subsequently, serum amylase, lipase and glucose levels at particular time‑points were analyzed using a fully‑automatic biochemical analyzer, and serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‑α and interleukin (IL)‑10 were detected using an enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assay. The pathological changes in pancreatic tissues were observed using hematoxylin and eosin staining, and the pancreatic expression of the long form of the leptin receptor (OB‑Rb) was detected and evaluated using Nest‑polymerase chain reaction analysis. The mortality rates of the model rats were compared between the groups. Following the administration of exogenous leptin, the serum level of amylase in the LEP group was significantly decreased at 48h, compared with that in the SAP group, with serum lipase levels decreased at 48 and 72h, and blood glucose levels decreased at 72h. Regarding the serum inflammatory factors, the level of TNF‑α in the LEP group was significantly lower, compared with that in the SAP group at 24h; whereas no significant difference was observed in the serum level of IL‑10 between the two groups. Regarding the pathological changes in the pancreas, the tissues in the LEP group showed significantly alleviated pancreatic inflammation. In addition, the pancreatic expression of OB‑Rb in the LEP group was significantly higher, compared with that in the SAP group at 24 and 48h. No significant difference in 3‑day mortality rates were observed between the SAP group and the LEP group. Taken together, exogenous leptin administration regulated inflammatory factors and the expression of OB‑Rb at the early stage of AP, which exerted protective effects by through the immunological and endocrinal pathways.

Effects of rosiglitazone on hyperlipidemic rats with severe acute pancreatitis secondary to lung injury

Objective To explore the effects of rosiglitazone (ROSI), a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors-gamma (PPAR-γ) ligand, on hyperlipidemia in rats with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) associated with lung injury. Methods A total of 120 male SD rats received intragastric administration of high fat diet for two weeks to induce experimental hyperlipemia. The hyperlipidemic rats were randomly(random number) divided into six groups: hyperlipidemia (HL) group (n=20), hyperlipidemia with SAP (HP) group (n=20), hyperlipidemia with rosiglitazone intervention (HRP) group (n=20), hyperlipidemia with rosiglitazone and antagonist to rosiglitazone (HRGP) group (n=20), rosiglitazone control (HR) group (n=20) and antagonist control (HG) group (n=20). The SAP was induced by a retrograde infusion of 5%sodium tauroholate into bile-pancreatic duct, and the SAP was established in HP group, HRP group and HRGP group. In HL group, HR group and HG group, equivalent volume of normal saline was used instead of sodium taurocholate. In HRP group and HR group, ROSI (6 mg/kg) was administered via the femoral vein 1 hour prior to the administration of sodium taurocholate. In HRGP group, GW9662 (0.3 mg/kg), an antagonist to PPRA-gamma, was given via the femoral vein 30 min prior to the administration of ROSI. In HG group, only GW9662 (0.3 mg/kg) was given via the left femoral vein 30 min prior to pretend SAP modeling. Rats from each group were sacrificed by exsanguination 12 h after SAP modeling. Blood samples were taken from all subjects to measure serum amylase (AMY), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), Successive sections of the paraffin embedded tissue from pancreas and lung were taken for pathological examination with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Histopathological changes of pancreatic and pulmonary tissues observed under light microscope were evaluated. In pulmonary tissue, nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB)p65 expression was assayed by immuno- histochemistry. Intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) protein and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) protein levels were studied using Western blot analysis. Results The serum levels of TC and TG in HL group and HP group were significantly higher than those in HR group and HRP group (1.24±0.28, 1.14±0.08 vs. 0.41±0.17, 0.58±0.12; 14.86±1.47, 12.42±0.96 vs. 6.52±2.04, 7.36±0.95, all P 0.05). Conclusions Our study demonstrates that ROSI exerts anti-hyperlipidemic effect and anti-inflammatory effect on hyperlipidemia in rats with sodium taurocholate-induced severe acute pancreatitis associated with lung injury by inhibiting NF-κB and down-regulating the expression of TNF-α and ICAM-1. Key words: Rosiglitazone; Hyperlipidemia; Severe acute pancreatitis; Lung injury; NF-κB

Role of Microvesicles From Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Acute Pancreatitis.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown an obvious protective effect on acute pancreatitis (AP). The purpose of the present study was to analyze the effect of bone marrow MSC-derived microvesicles (bmMSC-MVs) on AP and explore the underlying mechanisms. Bone marrow MSCs and bmMSC-MVs were isolated from Sprague-Dawley rats. Cerulein-induced mild AP (MAP) and sodium taurocholate-induced severe AP (SAP) were used as AP models in vivo and in vitro. Pancreatic injury was evaluated by measuring serum levels of amylase, lipase, chemokines, and interleukins, and by pancreatic histology, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. The effects of bmMSC-MVs on the survival rates of pancreatic acinar cells in vitro were also assessed. Bone marrow MSC-MVs attenuated acute pancreatic injury in MAP and SAP by regulating IL-1α, IL-6, and TNF-α, and dramatically attenuated the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 in MAP and SAP. Bone marrow MSC-MVs improved the survival rates of pancreatic acinar cells in MAP and SAP models in vitro. Bone marrow MSC-MVs played a protective role in AP by reducing the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and regulating the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65. Bone marrow MSC-MVs could be developed as a strategy for the clinical treatment of SAP.

Acanthopanax versus 3-Methyladenine Ameliorates Sodium Taurocholate-Induced Severe Acute Pancreatitis by Inhibiting the Autophagic Pathway in Rats.

Objectives. To observe the therapeutic effects of Acanthopanax and 3-methyladenine against severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). Methods. Sodium taurocholate-induced SAP rats were equally randomized into a SAP group, an Acanthopanax group, and a 3-methyladenine group. Serum amylase levels were determined by ELISA; protein and mRNA expression levels of nucleus nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65, light chain 3II (LC3-II), and Beclin-1 and mRNA expression levels of Class III phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K-III) in pancreas tissue were detected by Western blot and quantitative real-time PCR, respectively; mortality and pathological change of the pancreas were observed at 3, 12, and 24 h after operation. Results. There was no significant difference in mortality between SAP group and both treatment groups (P > 0.05). Serum amylase levels, protein, and mRNA expression levels of nucleus NF-κB p65, LC3-II, and Beclin-1 protein, mRNA expression levels of PI3K-III, and pathological score of the pancreas in both treatment groups were significantly lower than those in SAP group at 12 and 24 h after operation (P < 0.05 or 0.01). The number of autophagosomes and autophagolysosomes of pancreatic acinar cells in both treatment groups was smaller than that in SAP group at 12 and 24 h. Conclusions. Acanthopanax and 3-methyladenine had similar therapeutic effects against SAP in rats. The mechanism may be through inhibiting abnormal autophagy activation of pancreatic acinar cells.

Pain and Inflammation: Update on Emerging Phytotherapy, Zootherapy, and Nutritional Therapies.

Pain is the most common health challenge that drives patients to consult physicians. Pain and inflammation are usually symptoms of many diseases. Inability to perceive sensory pain may lead to shortened life expectancy and yet excessive pain may result in low quality of life. Despite the arrays of therapies available for the treatment of pain, it is still not tamed and the currently available drugs have their drawbacks. The challenges to amelioration of pain and inflammation have become an impetus for research into alternative and complementary medicines for the treatment of these ailments. The roles of phytotherapy and nutritional therapies in the treatment of varied types of ailments cannot be overemphasized. Actually, most of the commonly available therapeutic drugs for pain, such as opioids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), were derived from phytotherapy. Hence, giving attention to this issue is highly recommended as it provides a medium for knowledge acquisition for improvement of the treatment of the twin ailment-pain and inflammation. The researches published in this issue are broad and they accomplished the aim for which the issue was set out. Many manuscripts were received but only those contributing significantly to the subject matter were accepted after thorough peer review. The new insights include topics on systemic models of inflammation contributed by Y. Liu et al., “Effects of Wutou Decoction on DNA Methylation and Histone Modifications in Rats with Collagen-Induced Arthritis,” and X. Wu et al., “Protective Effect of Tetrandrine on Sodium Taurocholate-Induced Severe Acute Pancreatitis.” Z. Shu et al. reported the anti-inflammatory effects of plant extract “Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Physalis alkekengi var. franchetii and Its Main Constituents” as well as R. Boukhary et al., “Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Activities of Salvia fruticosa: An HPLC Determination of Phenolic Contents.” In another study, I. J. M. Santos et al. reported “Topical Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Oil from Tropidurus hispidus (Spix, 1825).” A review was accepted for inclusion in the issue on effectiveness of acupuncture for treating sciatica by Z. Qin et al. A. Rauf et al. reported on a potential cyclooxygenase inhibitor named daturaolone while W. Kim et al. evaluated the anti-inflammatory potential of a new Ganghwaljetongyeum (N-GHJTY) on adjuvant-induced inflammatory arthritis in rats. This issue therefore is a rich resource for all interested in pain and inflammation research and treatment. Bamidele V. Owoyele Musa T. Yakubu Roi Treister

Effects of acupuncture at ST25 on inflammatory mediators and nuclear factor κB activation in a rat model of severe acute pancreatitis.

To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) and manual acupuncture (MA) at ST25 on inflammatory mediators and nuclear factor κ-B (NF-κB) activation in rats with sodium taurocholate-induced severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). Eighty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: control (sham-operated), SAP, SAP+EA and SAP+MA (n=22 each). A SAP model was established by injecting 3.5% sodium taurocholate 1 mL/kg into the pancreatic duct. In each group, animals were killed at t=3 h (n=7), 6 h (n=7) and 12 h (n=8) after the procedure. Pancreatic expression of NF-κB was examined by immunohistochemical staining. The levels of tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) in serum were determined by ELISA. Pathological changes in the pancreas were examined microscopically. Serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 increased and morphological changes consistent with tissue damage were observed in the pancreas of SAP rats. NF-κB p65 expression was significantly higher in the SAP group than in the sham-operated group (p<0.05). Treatment with acupuncture at ST25 attenuated morphological damage and reduced levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in serum. NF-κB p65 expression was also significantly reduced by acupuncture at ST25 in the pancreas at 6 and 12 h after the procedure (p<0.05). There were no significant differences between the SAP+EA and SAP+MA groups. Acupuncture at ST25 might have a therapeutic effect on rats with SAP through inhibition of NF-κB expression and a reduction in the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Protective Effect of Tetrandrine on Sodium Taurocholate-Induced Severe Acute Pancreatitis.

Tet is a type of alkaloid extracted from Stephania tetrandra, and it has recently been demonstrated that Tet can protect against inflammation and free radical injury and inhibit the release of inflammatory mediators. The present study was designed to observe the protective effect of Tet on sodium taurocholate-induced severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). The rat model of SAP was induced by retrograde bile duct injection of sodium taurocholate and then treated with Verapamil and Tet. The results showed that Tet can reduce NF-κB activation in pancreas issue, inhibit the SAP cascade, and improve SAP through inducing pancreas acinar cell apoptosis and stabilizing intracellular calcium in the pancreas, thus mitigating the damage to the pancreas. Our study revealed that Tet may reduce systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and multiple organ dysfunction syndromes (MODS) to protect against damage, and these roles may be mediated through the NF-κB pathway to improve the proinflammatory/anti-inflammatory imbalance.

Hydrogen-rich saline attenuates acute renal injury in sodium taurocholate-induced severe acute pancreatitis by inhibiting ROS and NF-κB pathway.

Hydrogen (H2), a new antioxidant, was reported to reduce •OH and ONOO− selectively and inhibit certain proinflammatory mediators to product, without disturbing metabolic redox reactions or ROS involved in cell signaling. We herein aim to explore its protective effects on acute renal injury in sodium taurocholate-induced acute pancreatitis and its possible mechanisms. Rats were injected with hydrogen-rich saline (HRS group) or normal saline (SO and SAP group) through tail intravenously (6 mL/kg) and compensated subcutaneously (20 mL/kg) after successful modeling. Results showed that hydrogen-rich saline attenuated the following: (1) serum Cr and BUN, (2) pancreatic and renal pathological injuries, (3) renal MDA, (4) renal MPO, (5) serum IL-1β, IL-6, and renal TNF-α, HMGB1, and (6) tyrosine nitration, IκB degradation, and NF-κB activation in renal tissues. In addition, it increased the level of IL-10 and SOD activity in renal tissues. These results proved that hydrogen-rich saline attenuates acute renal injury in sodium taurocholate-induced acute pancreatitis, presumably because of its detoxification activity against excessive ROS, and inhibits the activation of NF-κB by affecting IκB nitration and degradation. Our findings highlight the potential value of hydrogen-rich saline as a new therapeutic method on acute renal injury in severe acute pancreatitis clinically.

Inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3β attenuates acute kidney injury in sodium taurocholate‑induced severe acute pancreatitis in rats.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of 4‑benzyl‑2‑methyl‑1,2,4‑thiadiazolidine‑3,5‑dione (TDZD‑8), the selective inhibitor of glycogen synthase kinase‑3β (GSK‑3β), on the development of acute kidney injury in an experimental model of sodium taurocholate‑induced severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) in rats. The serum amylase, lipase, interleukin‑1β and interleukin‑6 levels, and the pancreatic pathological score were examined to determine the magnitude of pancreatitis injury. The serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and renal histological grading were measured to assess the magnitude of SAP‑induced acute kidney injury. The activation of nuclear factor‑κB (NF‑κB) was examined using an immunohistochemistry assay. The expression of GSK‑3β, phospho‑GSK‑3β (Ser9), tumour necrosis factor‑α (TNF‑α), intercellular adhesion molecule‑1 (ICAM‑1) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein in the kidney was characterised using western blot analysis. TDZD‑8 attenuated (i) serum amylase, lipase and renal dysfunction; (ii) the serum concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines; (iii) pancreatic and renal pathological injury; (iv) renal MPO activity and (v) NF‑κB activation and TNF‑α, ICAM‑1 and iNOS protein expression in the kidney. The results obtained in the present study suggest that the inhibition of GSK‑3β attenuates renal disorders associated with SAP through the inhibition of NF‑κB activation and the downregulation of the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, TNF‑α, ICAM‑1 and iNOS in rats. Blocking GSK‑3β protein kinase activity may be a novel approach to the treatment of this inflammatory condition.

Time course of intestinal barrier function injury in a sodium taurocholate‐induced severe acute pancreatitis in rat model

The aims of this study were to clarify the kinetics of intestinal barrier function impairment in sodium taurocholate-induced severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) models and to explore an appropriate concentration of sodium taurocholate and a suitable time point for further study. In total, 104 rats were randomly divided into four groups: the normal control group (n = 8) receiving no treatment, the sham-operation group (n = 32), the 2.5% and 5% sodium taurocholate-treated SAP groups (n = 32 for each group) which were induced via a retrograde injection of 2.5% or 5% sodium taurocholate into the pancreatic duct. Histological examination, serum D-lactate and endotoxin levels and the incidence of bacteria translocation were recorded to assess the intestinal mucosal injury. Pancreatitis models were successfully established in both the 2.5% and 5% sodium taurocholate-treated groups. The dosage of sodium taurocholate used to induce pancreatitis was positively correlated with the degree of intestinal mucosal injury. The most severe damage to intestinal barrier was observed 24 h after surgery in the 2.5% sodium taurocholate-treated group and 48 h after surgery in the 5% sodium taurocholate-treated group, respectively. Based on the success rate of the model, the mortality and the impairment of intestinal barrier function, we conclude that 24 h after a retrograde injection of 2.5% sodium taurocholate may be the most appropriate time point to study intestinal barrier injury in SAP rats.

Protective effects of daphnetin on sodium taurocholate-induced severe acute pancreatitis in rats

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is the sudden onset of pancreatic inflammation, which is characterized by edema, acinar cell necrosis, hemorrhage and severe inflammation of the pancreas and is associated with a high mortality rate. Daphnetin has been shown to alleviate organ injury in a variety of preclinical animal models of coagulation disorders. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effects of daphnetin on severe acute pancreatitis in a rat model. Severe acute pancreatitis in the rat model was induced by retrograde infusion of 5% sodium taurocholate (1 ml/kg) into the bile-pancreatic duct. Daphnetin (4 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally at 30 min prior to the infusion of sodium taurocholate. The severity of pancreatitis was evaluated by various analyses of serum amylase and lipase, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) levels, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content, as well as by histological grading. The levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in the serum were measured by ELISA. The results revealed that the daphnetin-treated SAP rat group (SAP-D) exhibited a lower pathological score of the pancreas compared with the SAP group (SAP). Further analyses demonstrated that the SAP-D group had lower levels of serum amylase, lipase and pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α and IL-1β, and a decreased MPO activity and MDA content 3, 6 and 12 h subsequent to the infusion of sodium taurocholate compared with the SAP group (SAP). These findings indicated that daphnetin exerted a protective function in the SAP rat model. Therefore, daphnetin may be considered as a potential compound for the therapy and prevention of acute pancreatitis.

Effects of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors-γ ligand on hyperlipidemic rats with severe acute pancreatitis

Objective To explore the effects of rosiglitazone (ROSI),a PPAR-γ ligand,on hyperlipidemia with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) in the rat model induced by sodium taurocholate injected into intra-bile-pancreatic duct and explore their underlying mechanism.Methods A total of 120 male SD rats were randomly divided into two groups,and eighty rats were fed with high fat diet for two weeks to induce experimental hyperlipemia and the rest received normal diet.The rats fed with normal diet were divided into two groups:sham operation group (SO group,n =20) and SAP group (n =20).The hyperlipidemic rats were randomly divided into four groups:sham operation hyperlipidemia rats group (HL group,n =20),hyperlipidemia with acute pancreatitis group (HAP group,n =20),ROSI prevention group (HR group,n =20) and antagonist group (HRI group,n =20).Rats of SAP group and HAP group were induced by a retrograde infusion of 5％ sodium tauroholate into bile-pancreatic duct,whereas the rats in SO group and HL group were induced by saline instead; rats in HR group were administered ROSI (10 mg/kg) intra-peritoneally 1 hour prior to sodium taurocholate; rats in HRI group were administered GW9662 (0.3 mg/kg) intraperitoneally 30 min prior to ROSI.Rats from each group were sacrificed by exsanguination 12 h after the induction of pancreatitis.Blood samples were taken from all animals to measure serum amylase (AMY),total cholesterol (TC),triglycerides (TG).The severity of pancreatitis was evaluated by histological score of pancreatic injury.The level of nuclear factor (NF)-KB p65 protein in pancreas was measured by immunohistochemistry.The levels of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) protein and tumor necrosisfactor-α (TNF-α) protein were detected by using Western blot analysis.Results The serum levels of TC and TG in HL group and HAP group were significantly higher than those in SO group and SAP group (10.86 ± 1.47,10.42±0.95vs.1.72±0.13; 1.24±0.28,1.36±0.13 vs.0.61 ±0.12,0.54±0.08; all P＜ O.05).Compared with SAP group,the levels of serum AMY,the pancreas pathological score,the levels of NF-KB p65,ICAM-1 and TNF-α in pancreas in the HAP group were significantly higher in HAP group (P ＜ 0.05).Compared with the HAP group and HRI group,HR group significantly decreased the levels of serum AMY,TC and TG; pancreas pathological score; the levels of NF-KB p65,ICAM-1 and TNF-α in pancreas significantly decreased in HR group (2006.9 ± 331.9 vs.6501.9 ± 3771.0,5892.2 ± 474.3 ; 4.36 ± 0.99 vs.10.42 ±0.95,11.08 ± 1.05; 0.58 ±0.12 vs.1.36 ±0.13,1.58 ±0.12; all P ＜0.05),but there were no statistically significant differences in those biomarkers between HAP group and HRI (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusions Our study demonstrated that hyperlipidemia aggravated the severity of sodium taurocholateinduced severe acute pancreatitis and ROSI exerted anti-hyperlipidemic effect and anti-inflanmatory effect against hyperlipidemia rats with sodium taurocholate-induced severe acute pancreatitis. Key words: Peroxisomeproliferator-activated receptors-γ; Rosiglitazone ; Severe acute pancreatitis; Cytokine

Ethyl pyruvate significantly inhibits tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β and high mobility group box 1 releasing and attenuates sodium taurocholate-induced severe acute pancreatitis associated with acute lung injury

In this study, we examined the effect of ethyl pyruvate (EP) on pulmonary inflammation in rats with severe pancreatitis-associated acute lung injury (ALI). Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) was induced in rats by the retrograde injection of 5% sodium taurocholate into the pancreatic duct. Rats were randomly divided into the following experimental groups: control group, SAP group and EP-treated group. The tissue specimens were harvested for morphological studies, Streptavidin-peroxidase immunohistochemistry examination. Pancreatic or lung tissue oedema was evaluated by tissue water content. Serum amylase and lung tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were measured. Meanwhile, the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) levels and HMGB1 protein expression levels in the lung were studied. In the present study, we demonstrated that treatment with EP after SAP was associated with a reduction in the severity of SAP and lung injury. Treatment with EP significantly decreased the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, HMGB1 and ameliorated MDA concentration, MPO activity in the lung in SAP rats. Compared to SAP group, administration of EP prevented pancreatitis-induced increases in nuclear translocation of NF-κB in the lung. Similarly, treatment with EP significantly decreased the accumulation of neutrophils and markedly reduced the enhanced lung permeability. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that EP might play a therapeutic role in pulmonary inflammation in this SAP model.

Effects of electroacupuncture at Tianshu (ST25) on pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in rats with severe acute pancreatitis

To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at Tianshu (ST25) on pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in sodium taurocholate-induced severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) in rats. Sixty-six male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham-operation group, SAP group and EA group. An SAP model was established by injecting 3.5% sodium taurocholate at a dose of 1 mL/kg through puncturing the pancreatic duct. In the EA group, EA at ST25 was performed with sparse-dense wave (2/100 Hz, 2 mA for 30 min) immediately after sodium taurocholate injection and 30 min before sacrifice. Rats were sacrificed at 3 (n=7), 6 (n=7) and 12 h (n=8) after operation. Levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-10 in serum were estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Pathological changes of pancreatic tissues were examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining and observed under a microscope and also scored. The levels of serum TNF-α and IL-6 of SAP rats were significantly higher than those of sham-operation rats at 3, 6 and 12 h. The level of IL-10 in serum of SAP rats was significantly higher than that of sham-operation rats at 3 and 6 h (P<0.05). EA at ST25 down-regulated the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in serum and up-regulated the level of IL-10 and the ratio of IL-10/TNF-α, also attenuated the morphological damages at 6 and 12 h (P<0.05) in rats with SAP. The pathological scores of pancreatic tissues in the EA group were significantly less than those in the SAP group at 6 and 12 h (P<0.05). EA at ST25 may have a therapeutic effect on rats with SAP by down-regulating the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 and up-regulating the level of IL-10 to re-establish the balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and to ameliorate the inflammatory response of SAP.

Upregulation of PIAS1 protects against sodium taurocholate-induced severe acute pancreatitis associated with acute lung injury

The regulator of cytokine signaling known as protein inhibitor of activated STAT-1 (PIAS1) is increasingly understood to have diverse regulatory functions for inflammation, but its effect in inflammatory conditions such as severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) has not previously been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of upregulation of PIAS1 on SAP associated with acute lung injury (ALI), and its subsequent effect on disease severity. Sprague–Dawley rats were given an IV injection of adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5)/F35-PIAS1, Ad5/F35-vector or saline before induction of SAP. The control group received only a sham operation. Lung and pancreas samples were harvested 16 h after induction. The protein levels of PIAS1 in tissue were investigated. The severity of pancreatic injury was determined by a histological score of pancreatic injury, serum amylase, and pancreatic water content. The lung injury was evaluated by measurement of pulmonary microvascular permeability, lung myeloperoxidase activity and malondialdehyde levels. The survival rates of rats were also analyzed. The results found that in Ad5/F35-PIAS1 treated rats, serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 levels were decreased but showed no influence on the levels of IL-10, and the severity of pancreatic tissue injury was less compared with either untreated SAP or Ad5/F35-vector treated rats ( P < 0.01). The administration of Ad5/F35-PIAS1 in SAP-induced rats downregulated the activity of the signal transducer and activator of transcription-1 (STAT1) pathway and the expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 protein in lung. Thus, compared with the untreated SAP rats, the inflammatory response and the severity of ALI decreased, and the survival rates increased ( P < 0.01). These findings suggest that PIAS1 could augment anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting STAT1, thus attenuating the severity of SAP associated with ALI.

Pioglitazone: A Promising Therapeutic Tool in Sodium Taurocholate-Induced Severe Acute Pancreatitis

Studies suggest that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ(PPARγ) ligands may represent a therapeutic option in acute pancreatitis, yet most of them have been prophylactic administrated. To evaluate the therapeutic effect of pioglitazone in rats with severe acute pancreatitis induced by sodium taurocholate. Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats by the retrograde injection of 5% sodium taurocholate into the pancreatic duct. After SAP was induced, pioglitazone was injected intraperitoneally and its role on the severity of inflammatory response and pancreatic injury was investigated. Amylase activity, inflammatory cytokines production, pathological changes of pancreas, PPARγ mRNA expression, and the survival rate were examined. Treatment with pioglitazone decreased the level of amylase activity, proinflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF-α, ameliorated pancreatic histological score, and upregulated the expression of PPARγ mRNA. The survival rate in the early stage of severe acute pancreatitis was also improved. Pioglitazone can be used as a therapeutic drug and relieve the damages caused by SAP, which suggests PPARγ ligand-pioglitazone offers a potent approach for the treatment of severe acute pancreatitis.