Local and systemic effects of aging on acute pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: /Objectives: Evaluation of the local and systemic effects of aging on the severity of acute pancreatitis (AP) in an experimental rat model in elderly animals. METHODS: AP was induced in Wistar rats by intraductal 2.5% taurocholate injection and divided into two groups: Young (3 month old) and Aged (18 month old). Two and 24 h after AP induction blood samples were collected for determinations of amylase, AST, ALT, urea, creatinine, glucose, and of plasma I-FABP. TNF-α and IL-6 levels were determined in serum and ascitic fluid. Liver mitochondrial function and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, pancreas histological analysis, and pulmonar myeloperoxidade (MPO) activity were 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 and ascitic fluid TNF-α 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 AP group compared to the Young AP group. Positive bacterial cultures obtained from pancreas tissue in aged group were significantly increased compared to the young group. Acinar necrosis was also increased in aged AP group when compared to young AP group. CONCLUSION: Aging worsens the course of acute pancreatitis evidenced by increased local and systemic lesions and increased bacterial translocation.

Sevoflurane Preconditioning plus Postconditioning Decreases Inflammatory Response with Hemodynamic Recovery in Experimental Liver Ischemia Reperfusion.

OBJECTIVE: The inhalation anesthetic sevoflurane has presented numerous biological activities, including anti-inflammatory properties and protective effects against tissue ischemic injury. This study investigated the metabolic, hemodynamic, and inflammatory effects of sevoflurane pre- and postconditioning for short periods in the rescue of liver ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury using a rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty Wistar rats were divided into four groups: sham group, control ischemia group (partial warm liver ischemia for 45 min followed by 4 h of reperfusion), SPC group (administration of sevoflurane 2.5% for 15 min with 5 min of washout before liver IR), and SPPoC group (administration of sevoflurane 2.5% for 15 min before ischemia and 20 min during reperfusion). RESULTS: All animals showed a decrease in the mean arterial pressure (MAP) and portal vein blood flow during ischemia. After 4 h of reperfusion, only the SPPoC group had MAP recovery. In both the SPC and SPPoC groups, there was a decrease in the ALT level and an increase in the bicarbonate and potassium serum levels. Only the SPPoC group showed an increase in the arterial blood ionized calcium level and a decrease in the IL-6 level after liver reperfusion. Therefore, this study demonstrated that sevoflurane preconditioning reduces hepatocellular injury and acid-base imbalance in liver ischemia. Furthermore, sevoflurane postconditioning promoted systemic hemodynamic recovery with a decrease in inflammatory response.

Trisulfate Disaccharide Decreases Calcium Overload and Protects Liver Injury Secondary to Liver Ischemia/Reperfusion.

BACKGROUND: Ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) causes tissue damage and intracellular calcium levels are a factor of cell death. Sodium calcium exchanger (NCX) regulates calcium extrusion and Trisulfated Disaccharide (TD) acts on NCX decreasing intracellular calcium through the inhibition of the exchange inhibitory peptide (XIP). OBJECTIVES: The aims of this research are to evaluate TD effects in liver injury secondary to I/R in animals and in vitro action on cytosolic calcium of hepatocytes cultures under calcium overload. METHODS: Wistar rats submitted to partial liver ischemia were divided in groups: CONTROL: (n = 10): surgical manipulation with no liver ischemia; Saline: (n = 15): rats receiving IV saline before reperfusion; and TD: (n = 15): rats receiving IV TD before reperfusion. Four hours after reperfusion, serum levels of AST, ALT, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 were measured. Liver tissue samples were collected for mitochondrial function and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Pulmonary vascular permeability and histologic parameters of liver were determined. TD effect on cytosolic calcium was evaluated in BRL3A hepatic rat cell cultures stimulated by thapsigargin pre and after treatment with TD. RESULTS: AST, ALT, cytokines, liver MDA, mitochondrial dysfunction and hepatic histologic injury scores were less in TD group when compared to Saline Group (p<0.05) with no differences in pulmonary vascular permeability. In culture cells, TD diminished the intracellular calcium raise and prevented the calcium increase pre and after treatment with thapsigargin, respectively. CONCLUSION: TD decreases liver cell damage, preserves mitochondrial function and increases hepatic tolerance to I/R injury by calcium extrusion in Ca2+ overload situations.

Intestinal barrier dysfunction and increased COX-2 gene expression in the gut of elderly rats with acute pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The clinical course of acute pancreatitis can vary from mild to severe. In its most severe manifestation, acute pancreatitis is associated with an exacerbated systemic inflammatory response and high mortality rates. The severe form of acute pancreatitis is more frequent in elderly patients than in young patients, but the mechanisms underlying this difference are still under investigation. METHODS: Rats were divided into two groups as follows: Group 1, young rats; and Group 2, old rats. Acute pancreatitis group was induced by a retrograde injection of a sodium taurocholate solution into the biliopancreatic duct. Using this model of acute pancreatic injury, we designed a study to investigate possible differences in microbial translocation and characteristics of the intestinal barrier between elderly and young rats. RESULTS: There was a significantly higher number of bacterial colonies in the pancreas of elderly rats compared with young rats following pancreas injury, which was associated with a more severe local intestinal inflammatory response that included elevated gene expression of COX-2 and a decreased gene expression of tight junction proteins. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that intestinal damage during acute pancreatitis is exacerbated in elderly rats compared with young rats and that COX-2 inhibition could be a potential therapeutic target to offer tailored treatment for acute pancreatitis in the elderly.

Mechanisms of the beneficial effect of sevoflurane in liver ischemia/reperfusion injury.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the underlying mechanisms by which sevoflurane protects the liver against ischemia/reperfusion injury evaluate the mechanism by which sevoflurane exerts this protective effect. METHODS: Twenty-six rats were subjected to partial ischemia/reperfusion injury for 1h: one group received no treatment, one group received sevoflurane, and sham group of animals received laparotomy only. Four hours after reperfusion, levels of alanine and aspartate aminotransferases, tumor necrosis factor-a, and interleukins 6 and 10 were measured. Analyses of mitochondrial oxidation and phosphorylation, malondialdehyde content, histology, and pulmonary vascular permeability were performed. RESULTS: Serum levels of alanine and aspartate aminotransferases were significantly lower in the sevoflurane group compared to untreated controls (p<0.05). The sevoflurane group also showed preservation of liver mitochondrial function compared to untreated controls (p<0.05). Sevoflurane administration did not alter increases in serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-a, and interleukins 6 and 10. Sevoflurane treatment significantly reduced the coagulative necrosis induced by ischemia/reperfusion (p<0.05). Pulmonary vascular permeability was preserved in the sevoflurane group compared to untreated controls. CONCLUSION: Sevoflurane administration protects the liver against ischemia/reperfusion injury, via preservation of mitochondrial function, and also preserves lung vascular permeability.

Mechanisms of the beneficial effect of sevoflurane in liver ischemia/reperfusion injury

PURPOSE: To evaluate the underlying mechanisms by which sevoflurane protects the liver against ischemia/reperfusion injury evaluate the mechanism by which sevoflurane exerts this protective effect. METHODS: Twenty-six rats were subjected to partial ischemia/reperfusion injury for 1h: one group received no treatment, one group received sevoflurane, and sham group of animals received laparotomy only. Four hours after reperfusion, levels of alanine and aspartate aminotransferases, tumor necrosis factor-a, and interleukins 6 and 10 were measured. Analyses of mitochondrial oxidation and phosphorylation, malondialdehyde content, histology, and pulmonary vascular permeability were performed. RESULTS: Serum levels of alanine and aspartate aminotransferases were significantly lower in the sevoflurane group compared to untreated controls (p<0.05). The sevoflurane group also showed preservation of liver mitochondrial function compared to untreated controls (p<0.05). Sevoflurane administration did not alter increases in serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-a, and interleukins 6 and 10. Sevoflurane treatment significantly reduced the coagulative necrosis induced by ischemia/reperfusion (p<0.05). Pulmonary vascular permeability was preserved in the sevoflurane group compared to untreated controls. CONCLUSION: Sevoflurane administration protects the liver against ischemia/reperfusion injury, via preservation of mitochondrial function, and also preserves lung vascular permeability.

Beneficial effects of adenosine triphosphate-sensitive K+ channel opener on liver ischemia/reperfusion injury.

AIM: To investigate the effect of diazoxide administration on liver ischemia/reperfusion injury. METHODS: Wistar male rats underwent partial liver ischemia performed by clamping the pedicle from the medium and left anterior lateral segments for 1 h under mechanical ventilation. They were divided into 3 groups: Control Group, rats submitted to liver manipulation, Saline Group, rats received saline, and Diazoxide Group, rats received intravenous injection diazoxide (3.5 mg/kg) 15 min before liver reperfusion. 4 h and 24 h after reperfusion, blood was collected for determination of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), nitrite/nitrate, creatinine and tumor growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1). Liver tissues were assembled for mitochondrial oxidation and phosphorylation, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and histologic analysis. Pulmonary vascular permeability and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were also determined. RESULTS: Four hours after reperfusion the diazoxide group presented with significant reduction of AST (2009 ± 257 U/L vs 3523 ± 424 U/L, P = 0.005); ALT (1794 ± 295 U/L vs 3316 ± 413 U/L, P = 0.005); TNF-α (17 ± 9 pg/mL vs 152 ± 43 pg/mL, P = 0.013; IL-6 (62 ± 18 pg/mL vs 281 ± 92 pg/mL); IL-10 (40 ± 9 pg/mL vs 78 ± 10 pg/mL P = 0.03), and nitrite/nitrate (3.8 ± 0.9 µmol/L vs 10.2 ± 2.4 µmol/L, P = 0.025) when compared to the saline group. A significant reduction in liver mitochondrial dysfunction was observed in the diazoxide group compared to the saline group (P < 0.05). No differences in liver MDA content, serum creatinine, pulmonary vascular permeability and MPO activity were observed between groups. Twenty four hours after reperfusion the diazoxide group showed a reduction of AST (495 ± 78 U/L vs 978 ± 192 U/L, P = 0.032); ALT (335 ± 59 U/L vs 742 ± 182 U/L, P = 0.048), and TGF-ß1 (11 ± 1 ng/mL vs 17 ± 0.5 ng/mL, P = 0.004) serum levels when compared to the saline group. The control group did not present alterations when compared to the diazoxide and saline groups. CONCLUSION: Diazoxide maintains liver mitochondrial function, increases liver tolerance to ischemia/reperfusion injury, and reduces the systemic inflammatory response. These effects require further evaluation for using in a clinical setting.

Nitric oxide synthase inhibition reduces albumin induced lung damage in acute pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Colloid resuscitation in acute pancreatitis (AP) is a matter of controversy due to the possible deleterious effect on lung function. A previous study demonstrates that albumin administration increases lung damage in burns and this effect can be reversed by inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibition. This study evaluates the effects of S-methylisothiourea (SMT), a specific iNOS inhibitor, on lungs and pancreas of rats with AP receiving intravenous albumin. METHODS: AP was induced in Wistar rats by intraductal 5% taurocholate injection. To evaluate the effect of albumin on lung damage, animals received IV saline or human albumin immediately after AP (Groups: Saline and Albumin). To evaluate the effect of iNOS inhibition on lung damage, SMT was given immediately after AP (Group Saline+SMT, and Group Albumin+SMT). At 12 h after AP induction, serum amylase activity, lung vascular permeability and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were evaluated. Lung and pancreas histological analysis were performed. RESULTS: Serum amylase activity, pancreatic edema, lung vascular permeability, MPO activity, and inflammatory infiltration were significantly increased after AP. Albumin administration increased lung vascular permeability, inflammatory infiltration, and pancreatic edema compared to saline administration (p < 0.05). Albumin administration with SMT reduced lung vascular permeability, MPO activity, and inflammatory infiltration compared to albumin administration alone (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Lung and pancreatic damage induced by albumin administration for restoration of plasma volume in AP are reduced by iNOS inhibition. Awareness of this fact may be useful in high-risk patients who need to receive albumin for volume replacement.

Do opioid receptors play a role in the pathogenesis of the inflammatory response in acute pancreatitis?

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of the opioid blocker naltrexone in the inflammatory response in acute pancreatitis (AP). METHODS: Acute pancreatitis was induced in anesthetized male Wistar rats by retrograde injection of 2.5% sodium taurocholate diluted in 0.5ml saline into the main pancreatic duct. Animals were randomized to the following experimental groups: Control Group (n=9): animals received an intraperitoneal injection of saline solution (0.5ml), 15 minutes before the induction of AP. Naltrexone Group (n=9): animals received an intraperitoneal injection of naltrexone 0.5ml (15 mg/kg), 15 minutes before induction of AP. Peritoneal levels of TNF-α and serum levels of IL-6 and amylase were determined The volume of the ascitic fluid was also evaluated. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities were analyzed in homogenates of pulmonary tissue. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the ascitic fluid volume, nor in TNF-a and IL-6 levels in the naltrexone group compared to controls. Treatment with naltrexone did not affect the lung MPO activity compared to control group. CONCLUSIONS: The opioid receptors don't play an important role in the pathogenesis of the inflammatory response in acute pancreatitis. If opioids affect leukocytes inflammatory signaling, there are no major implications in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis.

Do opioid receptors play a role in the pathogenesis of the inflammatory response in acute pancreatitis? / Os receptores opioides desempenham papel na patogênese da resposta inflamatória na pancreatite aguda?

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of the opioid blocker naltrexone in the inflammatory response in acute pancreatitis (AP). METHODS: Acute pancreatitis was induced in anesthetized male Wistar rats by retrograde injection of 2.5% sodium taurocholate diluted in 0.5ml saline into the main pancreatic duct. Animals were randomized to the following experimental groups: Control Group (n=9): animals received an intraperitoneal injection of saline solution (0.5ml), 15 minutes before the induction of AP. Naltrexone Group (n=9): animals received an intraperitoneal injection of naltrexone 0.5ml (15 mg/kg), 15 minutes before induction of AP. Peritoneal levels of TNF-α and serum levels of IL-6 and amylase were determined The volume of the ascitic fluid was also evaluated. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities were analyzed in homogenates of pulmonary tissue. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the ascitic fluid volume, nor in TNF-a and IL-6 levels in the naltrexone group compared to controls. Treatment with naltrexone did not affect the lung MPO activity compared to control group. CONCLUSIONS: The opioid receptors don't play an important role in the pathogenesis of the inflammatory response in acute pancreatitis. If opioids affect leukocytes inflammatory signaling, there are no major implications in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis.

OBJETIVO: Investigar o efeito do bloqueador opióide naltrexone na resposta inflamatória da pancreatite aguda. METODOS: Pancreatite aguda foi induzida em ratos machos Wistar, através de injeção retrógada de solução de taurocolato de sódio a 2,5% nos ductos pancreáticos. Os animais foram alocados em dois grupos: Grupo controle (n=9) animais receberam 0,5 ml de solução salina intra-peritonial 15 minutos antes da indução da pancreatite aguda e Grupo naltrexone (n=9) animais receberam naltrexone (15mg/kg de peso), em 0,5 ml de volume final por via intraperitoneal, 15 minutos antes da indução da pancreatite aguda. Foram avaliados o volume de ascite, os níveis séricos de amilase e IL-6, assim como TNF-α peritoneal e a atividade da mieloperoxidase (MPO) no tecido pulmonar. RESULTADOS: Não foram encontradas diferenças significantes nos parâmetros analisados entre o grupo que recebeu solução salina e o que recebeu naltrexone . CONCLUSÕES: Os receptores opióides não desempenham papel importante na resposta inflamatória sistêmica associada à pancreatite aguda. Se os opioides alteram a sinalização inflamatória nos leucócitos está ação não se reflete na patogênese da pancreatite aguda.

Pentoxifylline improves liver regeneration through down-regulation of TNF-α synthesis and TGF-ß1 gene expression.

AIM: To investigate the mechanism of pentoxifylline (PTX) improvement in liver regeneration. RESULTS: Rats were randomized into 4 groups: Control rats; Sham - sham-operation rats; Saline - 70% hepatectomy plus saline solution; PTX - 70% hepatectomy plus PTX. At 2 and 6 h after hepatectomy, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin-6 (IL-6) serum and hepatic tissue levels were determined. Tumor growth factor (TGF)-ß1 gene expression in liver tissue was evaluated 24 h after hepatectomy by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis. Proliferation was analyzed by mitotic index and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) staining 48 h after hepatectomy. RESULTS: TNF-α and IL-6 serum levels increased at 2 and 6 h after hepatectomy. At 2 h after hepatectomy serum PTX was reduced but not hepatic levels of TNF-α and IL-6. A decrease in liver TGF-ß1 gene expression and an increase in mitotic index and PCNA after hepatectomy were observed in the PTX treatment group in comparison to the saline group. CONCLUSION: PTX improves liver regeneration by a mechanism related to down regulation of TNF-α production and TGF-ß1 gene expression.

Is there a therapeutic window for pentoxifylline after the onset of acute pancreatitis?

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of pentoxifylline (PTX) in experimental acute pancreatitis (AP) starting drug administration after the induction of the disease. METHODS: One hundred male Wistar rats were submitted to taurocholate-induced AP and divided into three groups: Group Sham: sham-operated rats, Group Saline: AP plus saline solution, and Group PTX: AP plus PTX. Saline solution and PTX were administered 1 hour after induction of AP. At 3 hours after AP induction, peritoneal levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 levels were assayed by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Determinations of lung myeloperoxidase activity (MPO), histological analysis of lung and pancreas, and mortality study were performed. RESULTS: PTX administration 1 hour after induction of AP caused a significant decrease in peritoneal levels of TNF-α and in serum levels of IL-6 and IL-10 when compared to the saline group. There were no differences in lung MPO activity between the two groups with AP. A decrease in mortality was observed in the PTX treatment compared to the saline group. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of PTX after the onset of AP decreased the systemic levels of proinflammatory cytokines, raising the possibility that there is an early therapeutic window for PTX after the initiation of AP.

Is there a therapeutic window for pentoxifylline after the onset of acute pancreatitis? / Existe uma janela terapêutica para a pentoxifilina após o início da pancreatite aguda?

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of pentoxifylline (PTX) in experimental acute pancreatitis (AP) starting drug administration after the induction of the disease. METHODS: One hundred male Wistar rats were submitted to taurocholate-induced AP and divided into three groups: Group Sham: sham-operated rats, Group Saline: AP plus saline solution, and Group PTX: AP plus PTX. Saline solution and PTX were administered 1 hour after induction of AP. At 3 hours after AP induction, peritoneal levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 levels were assayed by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Determinations of lung myeloperoxidase activity (MPO), histological analysis of lung and pancreas, and mortality study were performed. RESULTS: PTX administration 1 hour after induction of AP caused a significant decrease in peritoneal levels of TNF-α and in serum levels of IL-6 and IL-10 when compared to the saline group. There were no differences in lung MPO activity between the two groups with AP. A decrease in mortality was observed in the PTX treatment compared to the saline group. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of PTX after the onset of AP decreased the systemic levels of proinflammatory cytokines, raising the possibility that there is an early therapeutic window for PTX after the initiation of AP.

OBJETIVO: Investigar os efeitos da pentoxifilina (PTX) na pancreatite aguda (PA) experimental administrando a droga após a indução da doença. MÉTODOS: Cem ratos machos Wistar foram submetidos à indução da PA através da infusão de taurocolato de sódio e divididos em três grupos: Grupo Sham: sham-operated ratos, Grupo Salina: AP e solução salina, e Grupo PTX: AP e PTX. Solução salina e PTX foram administradas 1 hora após a indução da PA. Três horas após indução da PA os níveis de fator de necrose tumoral (TNF)-α no líquido peritoneal e os níveis séricos de interleucina (IL)-6 e IL-10 foram analisados pelo método de Enzima Imunoensaio (ELISA). A atividade da mieloperoxidase (MPO) foi analisada no pulmão e foram realizadas análises histológicas do pulmão e pâncreas, além do estudo da mortalidade. RESULTADOS: A administração de PTX 1 hora após a indução da PA reduziu significativamente os níveis de TNF-α peritoneal e os níveis séricos de IL-6 e IL-10 quando comparado ao grupo salina. Redução na mortalidade foi observado após o tratamento com PTX comparado ao grupo salina. CONCLUSÃO: A administração de PTX após a indução da PA diminuiu os níveis sistêmicos de citocinas pró-inflamatórias, sugerindo a possibilidade de que existe uma janela terapêutica para PTX após o início do PA.

Effect of ageing on systemic inflammatory response in acute pancreatitis.

Elderly patients show increased incidence of multiple organ dysfunction in acute pancreatitis possibly due to bacterial translocation. This is associated with increased susceptibility to infections in older people. Several reports have related this increased susceptibility to a proinflammatory status called inflammaging, which decreases the capacity of the immunological system to respond to antigens. Cellular senescence also contributes to this low-grade chronic inflammation in older subjects. We discuss here the effect of ageing on systemic inflammation, focusing on that induced by acute pancreatitis and some of the mechanisms involved. It is important to understand the immunological changes in the elderly to adjust treatment strategies in order to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with acute pancreatitis and other conditions that lead to systemic inflammation.

Ischemic preconditioning-like effect of polyunsaturated fatty acid-rich diet on hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury.

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate a possible preconditioning effect of oral diet enriched with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on liver ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injuries. METHODS: Wistar male rats were fed a standard diet or polyunsaturated fatty acid-rich diet (PRD) enriched with (GII) or without (GIII) ω-3 PUFA. Rats were submitted to partial liver ischemia during 1 h and evaluated in pre- and post-I/R conditions. In pre-I/R condition, livers were collected for determination of fatty acid composition, liver mitochondrial function, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and histological analysis. Four hours after liver reperfusion serum activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, interleukin-10, and prostaglandin-E2, liver mitochondrial function, MDA content, and histology were evaluated. RESULTS: In the pre-I/R condition, GII and GIII groups had an increase on PUFA content and exhibited slight increased macrosteatosis and microsteatosis in the liver. After 4 h of reperfusion, PRD-fed rats showed a marked decrease on steatosis, diminished necrosis, an increase in MDA formation, and mitochondrial uncoupling. We also observed a marked decrease in plasma levels of cytokines and ALT and AST activities in post-I/R condition in PRD groups. CONCLUSION: In this experimental model in the rat, PRD has a preconditioning effect protecting the liver from I/R injury and should be object of future clinical studies.

Anti-inflammatory effects of peritoneal lavage in acute pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVES: Intraperitoneal administration of trypsin stimulates the production of cytokines from peritoneal macrophages. Removing the pancreatitis-associated ascitic fluid from the peritoneal cavity may decrease the systemic inflammatory response in acute pancreatitis (AP). We investigated the effect of peritoneal lavage on the systemic inflammatory response in severe AP. METHODS: Acute pancreatitis was induced in Wistar rats by 5% taurocholate intraductal injection. Peritoneal lavage was performed for 4 hours after onset of AP. At 4 hours after induction of AP, serum samples were assayed for amylase and inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin-6 [IL-6], and IL-10). Expression of pancreatic cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase, liver mitochondrial function, and pulmonary myeloperoxidase activities were determined. RESULTS: Peritoneal lavage after AP led to a decrease in serum levels of tumor necrosis factor α and IL-6 and an increase in IL-10. In the pancreas, this treatment reduced cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression. Liver mitochondrial dysfunction was also reduced. There were no differences on serum amylase levels and pulmonary myeloperoxidase between groups with AP. CONCLUSIONS: Peritoneal lavage has a systemic anti-inflammatory effect in severe AP and may be able to decrease the severity of severe AP.

Mechanisms of the beneficial effect of hypertonic saline solution in acute pancreatitis.

Administration of hypertonic saline (HS) solution to rats with acute pancreatitis (AP) decreases mortality and systemic inflammation. We hypothesized that these effects are related not only to systemic inflammatory reduction, but also to a reduction of the pancreatic lesion. Acute pancreatitis was induced in Wistar rats by injection of 2.5% sodium taurocholate. Animals were divided in groups: without AP, not treated AP, AP treated with NaCl 0.9%, and AP treated with NaCl 7.5%. Trypsinogen activation peptides and amylase activity were increased in ascitic fluid and serum and were not affected by treatment with HS. Pancreatic inflammation was evaluated by increased myeloperoxidase activity, malondialdehyde formation, and histopathology for severity of pancreatic lesions. The HS did not affect these parameters. Expression of cyclooxygenase 2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase was markedly increased in the pancreas of the AP group and was reduced by treatment with HS. This treatment also reduced the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 but not of IL-10 in the pancreatic tissue. These results show that HS modulates cytokine production and expression of enzymes responsible for inflammatory mediator production in the pancreas without affecting the severity of the pancreatic lesions.

Timing-dependent protection of hypertonic saline solution administration in experimental liver ischemia/reperfusion injury.

BACKGROUND: During liver ischemia, the decrease in mitochondrial energy causes cellular damage that is aggravated after reperfusion. This injury can trigger a systemic inflammatory syndrome, also producing remote organ damage. Several substances have been employed to decrease this inflammatory response during liver transplantation, liver resections, and hypovolemic shock. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of hypertonic saline solution and the best timing of administration to prevent organ injury during experimental liver ischemia/reperfusion. METHODS: Rats underwent 1 hr of warm liver ischemia followed by reperfusion. Eighty-four rats were allocated into 6 groups: sham group, control of ischemia group (C), pre-ischemia treated NaCl 0.9% (ISS) and NaCl 7.5% (HTS) groups, pre-reperfusion ISS, and HTS groups. Blood and tissue samples were collected 4 hr after reperfusion. RESULTS: HTS showed beneficial effects in prevention of liver ischemia/reperfusion injury. HTS groups developed increases in AST and ALT levels that were significantly less than ISS groups; however, the HTS pre-reperfusion group showed levels significantly less than the HTS pre-ischemia group. No differences in IL-6 and IL-10 levels were observed. A significant decrease in mitochondrial dysfunction as well as hepatic edema was observed in the HTS pre-reperfusion group. Pulmonary vascular permeability was significantly less in the pre-reperfusion HTS group compared to the ISS group. No differences in myeloperoxidase activity were observed. The liver histologic score was significantly less in the pre-reperfusion HTS group compared to the pre-ischemia HTS group. CONCLUSION: HTS ameliorated local and systemic injuries in experimental liver ischemia/reperfusion. Infusion of HTS in the pre-reperfusion period may be an important adjunct to accomplish the best results.

CO2 abdominal insufflation decreases local and systemic inflammatory response in experimental acute pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVES: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a serious disease that is amplified by an associated systemic inflammatory response. We investigated the effect of CO2 pneumoperitoneum on the local and systemic inflammatory response in AP. METHODS: Acute pancreatitis was induced in Wistar rats by 5% taurocholate intraductal injection. Carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum was applied for 30 minutes before the induction of AP. Inflammatory parameters were evaluated in the peritoneum (ascites, cell number, and tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-alpha]), serum (amylase, TNF-alpha, interleukin-6 [IL-6], and IL-10), pancreas (myeloperoxidase [MPO] activity, cyclo-oxygenase 2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression, and histological diagnosis), liver, and lung (mitochondria dysfunction and MPO activity). RESULTS: Abdominal insufflation with CO2 before induction of AP caused a significant decrease in ascites volume, cells, and TNF-alpha in the peritoneal cavity and in serum TNF-alpha and IL-6 but not IL-10 levels. In the pancreas, this treatment reduced MPO activity, acinar and fat necrosis, and the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclo-oxygenase 2. There were no significant differences on serum amylase levels, liver mitochondrial function, and pulmonary MPO between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrated that CO2 pneumoperitoneum reduced pancreatic inflammation and attenuated systemic inflammatory response in AP. This article suggests that CO2 pneumoperitoneum plays a critical role on the better outcome in patients undergoing laparoscopic pancreatic surgery.

Inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 in experimental severe acute pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: The standard treatment for acute pancreatitis (AP) is still based on supportive care. The search for a new drug that could change the natural history of the disease is a continuing challenge for many researchers. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of a cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor on experimental AP in rats. METHODS: The animals were divided into 2 groups: Group 1 (n = 30)-animals with taurocholate-induced AP treated with parecoxib (40 mg/kg). Group 2 (n = 30)-animals with taurocholate-induced AP that received saline. The COX-2 inhibitor (parecoxib) was injected immediately after AP induction, through the penis dorsal vein. The parameters evaluated were histology, serum levels of amylase, IL-6 and IL-10, and mortality rate. RESULTS: The serum levels of IL-6 and IL-10 in the parecoxib-treated group were lower than the control group. The amylase serum levels and the mortality rate remained unchanged in the treated animals. Histologic morphology also was unaltered, except for fat necrosis, which was higher in parecoxib-treated rats. CONCLUSION: Inhibition of Cox-2 decreases the systemic release of inflammatory cytokines, but has a poor effect on the direct pancreas injury caused by taurocholate.