血清促炎细胞因子水平与急性胰腺炎严重程度的相关性研究

目的 探究血清促炎细胞因子白细胞介素-6(IL-6)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)及高迁移率族蛋白B-1(HMGB1)水平在早期评估急性胰腺炎(AP)患者严重程度及预后的价值.方法 以33例重症急性胰腺炎(SAP)和38例轻症急性胰腺炎(MAP)患者为研究对象,另以51名健康体检者作为对照组.采用酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)检测血清IL-6、TNF-α及HMGB1水平,分析三者与患者Ranson评分、APACHEⅡ评分、Bahhazar CT评分、血清生化指标及预后的关系.结果 SAP组、MAP组、健康对照组血清IL-6水平分别为(553.72±175.76)pg/ml、(265.73±179.95)pg/ml和(16.43±3.32)pg/ml,三组间差异均有统计学意义(P均＜0.01).SAP组、MAP组、健康对照组血清TNF-α水平三组间差异均无统计学意义(P均＞0.05).SAP组、MAP组、健康对照组血清HMGB1水平分别为(11.48±6.94)μg/L、(6.13±5.80)μg/和(1.82±0.64)/μg/L,三组间HMGB1值差异均有统计学意义(P均＜0.05).患者血清HMGB1水平与IL-6,TNF-α的相关系数分别为0.896和0.724(P＜0.01).血清IL-6水平与Ranson评分、APACHE Ⅱ评分、Balthazar CT 评分均呈正相关;血清TNF-α水平与APACHEⅡ评分呈正相关;血清HMGB1水平与Ranson评分、Balthazar CT评分呈正相关.三者血清水平均与肌酐值呈正相关.病程中出现局部和(或)全身并发症者血清IL-6水平显著高于无并发症者.结论 血清IL-6、TNF-α、HMGB1水平与胰腺炎病情的严重程度显著相关,三者参与AP时急性肾功能不全的发生,血清IL-6水平升高与并发症发生显著相关.

Abstract：

Objective To explore the value of serum level of interleukin 6 (IL-6),tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and high mobility group box-1 protein( HMGB1) in early assessment the severity and prognosis of acute pancreatitis (AP). Methods Thirty-three severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) patients and 38 mild acute pancreatitis (MAP) patients were selected as study objects;and 51healthy individuals were set as control group. Serum IL-6,TNF-α and HMGB1 concentrations were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA),the association of them and the scores of Ranson,APACHE Ⅱ . Balthazar CT,serum biochemical parameters and prognosis was analyzed.Results The serum IL-6 levels of SAP group,MAP group and healthy control group were (553. 72±175.76) pg/ml,(265. 73±179. 95) pg/ml and (16. 43±3. 32) pg/ml;and there were statistical significance of these three groups (all P＜0. 01). There was no significant difference of TNF-α in the three groups (all P＞0. 05). The serum HMGB1 levels of SAP group,MAP group and healthy control group were (11. 48±6. 94)μg/L,(6. 13±5. 80)μg/L and (1. 82±0. 64)μg/L respectively,and there were statistical significant of these three groups (all P＜0. 05). The correlation coefficient of serum HMGB1 with IL-6 and TNF-α were 0. 896 and 0. 724 (P＜0. 01) respectively. The IL-6 level was positively correlated with the scores of Ranson,APACHE Ⅱ and Balthazar CT. The TNF-αconcentration was positively correlated with APACHE Ⅱ score,and the HMGB1 concentration positively correlated with scores of Ranson and Balthazar CT. The levels of IL-6,TNF-α and HMGB1were all positively correlated with the serum creatinine concentration. The IL-6 levels of patients with local and/or systemic complications were significantly higher than those without complications.Conclusion The serum levels of IL-6,TNF-α and HMGB1 are significantly correlated with the severity of pancreatitis,all of them take part in the development of acute renal insufficiency. The high level of serum IL-6 significantly correlated with complications.     

Influence of continuous veno-venous hemofiltration on the course of acute pancreatitis

AIM: To investigate whether continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH) in different filtration rate to eliminate cytokines would result in different efficiency in acute pancreatitis, whether the saturation time of filter membrane was related to different filtration rate, and whether the onset time of CVVH could influence the survival of acute pancreatitis. METHODS: Thirty-seven patients were classified into four groups randomly. Group 1 underwent low-volume CVVH within 48 h of the onset of abdominal pain (early CVVH, n = 9). Group 2 received low-volume CVVH after 96 h of the onset of abdominal pain (late CVVH, n = 10). Group 3 underwent high-volume CVVH within 48 h of the onset of abdominal pain (early CVVH, n = 9). Group 4 received high-volume CVVH after 96 h of the onset of abdominal pain (late CVVH, n = 9). CWH was sustained for at least 72 h. Blood was taken before hemofiltration, and ultrafiltrate was collected at the start of CVVH and every 12 h during CVVH period for the purpose of measuring the concentrations of TNPα, IL-1β and IL-6. The concentrations of TNPα, IL-1β and IL-6 were measured by swine-specific ELISA. The Solartron 1 255 B frequency response analyzer (British) was used to observe the resistance of filter membrane. RESULTS: The survival rate had a significant difference (94.44% vs 68.42%, P<0.01) high-volume and low-volume CVVH patients. The survival rate had also a significant difference (88.89% vs 73.68%,P<0.05) between early and late CVVH patients. The hemodynamic deterioration (MAP, HR, CVP) was less severe in groups 4 and 1 than that in group 2, and in group 3 than in group 4. The adsorptive saturation time of filters membranes was 120-180 min if the filtration rate was 1 000-4 000 mL/h. After the first, second and third new hemofilters were changed, serum TNF-α concentrations had a negative correlation with resistance (r: -0.91, -0.89, and -0.86, respectively in group 1; -0.89, -0.85, and -0.76, respectively in group 2; -0.88, -0.92, and -0.82, respectively in group 3; -0.84, -0.87, and -0.79, respectively in group 4). The decreasing extent of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 was significantly different between group 3 and group 1 (TNF-α P<0.05, IL-1β P<0.05, IL-6 P<0.01), between group 4 and group 2 (TNF-α P<0.05, IL-1β P<0.05, IL-6 P<0.01), between group 1 and group 2 (TNP-α P<0.05, IL-1β P<0.05, IL-6 P<0.05), and between group 3 and group 4 (TNF-α P<0.01, IL-1β P<0.01, IL-6 P<0.05), respectively during CVVH period. The decreasing extent of TNF-α and IL-1β was also significantly different between survival patients and dead patients (TNF-α P<0.05, IL-1β P<0.05). In survival patients, serum concentration of TNF-α and IL-1β decreased more significantly than that in dead patients. CONCLUSION: High-volume and early CVVH improve hemodynamic deterioration and survival in acute pancreatitis patients. High-volume CVVH can eliminate cytokines more efficiently than low-volume CVVH. The survival rate is related to the decrease extent of TNF-α and IL-1β. The adsorptive saturation time of filter membranes are different under different filtration rate condition. The filter should be changed timely once filter membrane adsorption is saturated.     

Clinical significance of melatonin concentrations in predicting the severity of acute pancreatitis

AIM: To assess the value of plasma melatonin in pre-dicting acute pancreatitis when combined with the acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ (APACHE Ⅱ) and bedside index for severity in acute pancreatitis (BISAP) scoring systems. METHODS: APACHEⅡ and BISAP scores were calculated for 55 patients with acute physiology (AP) in the first 24 h of admission to the hospital. Additionally, morning (6:00 AM) serum melatonin concentrations were measured on the first day after admission. According to the diagnosis and treatment guidelines for acute pancreatitis in China, 42 patients suffered mild AP (MAP). The other 13 patients developed severe AP (SAP). A total of 45 healthy volunteers were used in this study as controls. The ability of melatonin and the APACHEⅡ and BISAP scoring systems to predict SAP was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The optimal melatonin cutoff concentration for SAP patients, based on the ROC curve, was used to classify the patients into either a high concen-tration group (34 cases) or a low concentration group (21 cases). Differences in the incidence of high scores, according to the APACHEⅡ and BISAP scoring sys- tems, were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The MAP patients had increased melatonin levels compared to the SAP (38.34 ng/L vs 26.77 ng/L) (P = 0.021) and control patients (38.34 ng/L vs 30.73 ng/L) (P = 0.003). There was no significant difference inmelatoninconcentrations between the SAP group and the control group. The accuracy of determining SAP based on the melatonin level, the APACHEⅡ score and the BISAP score was 0.758, 0.872, and 0.906, respectively, according to the ROC curve. A melatonin concentration ≤ 28.74 ng/L was associated with an increased risk of developing SAP. The incidence of high scores (≥ 3) using the BISAP system was significantly higher in patients with low melatonin concentration (≤ 28.74 ng/L) compared to patients with high melatonin concentration (> 28.74 ng/L) (42.9% vs 14.7%, P = 0.02). The     

Effects of emodin and baicalein on rats with severe acute pancreatitis

AIM: To investigate the therapeutic effects of emodin in combination with baicalein on severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) rats and to explore the mechanism of SAP. METHODS: A total of 112 SAP rats induced by retrograde injection of 5% sodium taurocholate into the biliary-pancreatic duct, randomly assigned to a untreated group and three treated groups emodin group, combined emodin and baicalein group, and sandostatin group. Meanwhile, another 28 other rats were selected as sham operation (SO) group. There were 28 rats in each group, 8 rats were in 3 and 6 h groups respectively, and 12 rats in 12 h group. At each time-points, survival rates,ascites volumes, pathological lesion scores of pancreas tissues,serum amylase, tumor necrosis factor-α and IL-6 levels were determined as the indexes of therapeutic effects. RESULTS: The survival rate at 12 h was significantly higher in three treated groups than in untreated group.The ascites volume at 12 h was remarkably less in combined and sandostatin groups than in emodin group,but there was no difference between combined group and sandostatin group (P>0.05). Serum amylase levels at all time-points were significantly lower in three treated groups than in untreated group. However, they had no difference among treated groups (P>0.05).Serum TNF-α were lower in three treated groups than in untreated group at all time points. Among the three treated groups, at 6 h, the TNF-α levels of combination and sandostatin groups were lower than those of emodin group. These was no difference between combined and sandostantin. Serum IL-6 concentration at 3 h were lower in combined and sandostatin groups than in untreated group, but at 6 and 12 h they were lower in all treated groups than in untreated group and the combined and sandostatin groups and in emodin group, no difference was found between combined and sandostatin groups at all time-points (P>0.05). The pathological scores of pancreas at all time points were significantly lower in three treated groups than in the untreated group, and at 6, 12 h, the scores of combined and sandostatin groups were lower than in emodin group. There was no difference between combined and sandostatin groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Combination of emodin with baicalein has significant therapeutic effects on SAP rats.     

Serum IL-6, TNFα and CRP levels in Greek colorectal cancer patients： Prognostic implications

AIM: The significance of preoperative serum IL-6, TNFα and CRP levels in the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) has not been fully elucidated. Our intention was to investigate their role and identify their prognostic significance.METHODS: The IL-6, TNFα and CRP levels were measured in 74 CRC patients and the relationships between their elevations and both the clinicopathological factors and prognosis of patients were investigated. Serum concentrations of human IL-6 and TNFα were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). CRP was measured by an immunoturbinometric method. RESULTS: Median IL-6, TNFα and CRP levels were significantly higher in CRC patients than in normal controls. High levels of serum IL-6, TNFα and CRP were correlated with larger tumor size. Furthermore, high IL-6 and high CRP levels were associated with reduced overall survival. CONCLUSION: Serum IL-6, TNFα and CRP levels definitely increase in CRC patients. Pre-operative serum elevation of IL-6 and CRP was thus found to be predictor of the prognosis of CRC patients. The clinical value of TNFα in CRC needs to be further investigated.     

麝香保心丸对心力衰竭大鼠Th1和Th2型细胞因子水平的影响

Objective To investigate the effects of Shexiangbaoxin pills (SXBXP) on the serum levels of T helper type 1 (Th1) cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-α),interferon-γ(IFN-γ) and T helper type 2 (Th2) cytokines incloding interleukin-4 (IL-4),interleukin-10 (IL-10)in rats with chronic heart failure (CHF).Methods The CHF models were established by left anterior descending coronary artery ligation.Fifty-four Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups:control group,sham operation group,CHF model group,small dose SXBXP group,large dose SXBXP group and positive medicine group.Heart function was examined by echocardiography before and after therapy,the TNF-α and IL-10 levels were measured by radioimmunoassay,IFN-γ and IL-4 levels were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results (1) Before therapy,there was no significant difference between control group and sham operation group in ejection fraction of left ventricle (LVEF).Compared with control group and sham operation group,the levels of LVEF were significantly decreased in CHF model group,small dose SXBXP group,large dose SXBXP group and positive medicine group (all P＜0.01).(2) After therapy,compared with sham operation group,the serum levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ were markedly increased,and IL-4 and IL-10 were significantly decreased in CHF model group (all P＜0.01 ).Compared with CHF model group,LVEF was significantly improved,serum levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ were markedly decreased,IL-4 and IL-10 were markedly increased in large dose SXBXP group (all P＜0.05).In small dose SXBXP group,serum levels of IFN-γ were markedly decreased and IL-10 were markedly increased (all P＜0.05).In positive medicine group,serum levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ were markedly decreased and IL-10 were markedly increased (all P＜0.05).In small dose SXBXP group and positive medicine group,serum levels of IL-4 increased and LVEF decreased,even though there was no significant difference compared with CHF model group.Conclusions The SXBXP therapy of rats with CHF induced by myocardial infarction improves the heart function,decreases the serum levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ,and increases serum levels of IL-4 and IL-10.     

Formalized therapeutic guideline for hyperlipidemic severe acute pancreatitis

AIM: To investigate a formalized therapeutic guideline for hyperlipidemic severe acute pancreatitis (HL-SAP).METHODS: Thirty-two consecutive patients with severe acute pancreatitis were included in the clinical trial. All of them met the following five criteria for admission to the study, namely the Atlanta classification and stratification system for the clinical diagnosis of SAP, APACHEII score more than 8, time interval for therapeutic intervention less than 72 hours after onset of the disease, serum triglyceride (TG) level 6.8 mmol/l or over, and exdusion of other etiologies.They were divided into severe acute pancreatitis group (SAP,22 patients) and fulminant severe acute pancreatitis group (FSAP, 10 patients). Besides the conventional therapeutic measures, Penta-association therapywas also applied in the two groups, which consisted of blood purification (adsorption of triglyceride and hemofiltration), antihyperlipidemic agents (fluvastatin or lipanthyl), low molecular weight heparin (fragmin), insulin, topical application of Pixiao (a traditional Chinese medicine) over the whole abdomen, serum triglyceride,pro-inflammatory cytokines and anti-inflammatory cytokines were determined before blood purification (PF), at the end of blood purification (AFE) and on the 7th day after onset of the disease (AF7) respectively. Simultaneously, severity of the diseases was assessed by the APACHE Ⅱ system.Prognosis was evaluated by non-operation cure rate,absorption rate of pseudocyst, time interval pseudocyst absorption, hospital stay and survival rate.RESULTS: Serum triglyceride level (mmol/L), TNFα (U/mi) concentration and APACHE Ⅱ score were significantly decreased (P＜0.05) at AFE and AF7, as compared with PF.However, serum IL-10 concentration (pg/ml) was increased significantly (P＜0.001) at AFE, and decreased significantly (P＜0.05) at AF7 when compared with PF. Operations: The First surgical intervention time was 55.8±42.6 days in SAP group (5 patients) and 12.2±6.6 days in FSAP group (7 patients),there was a significant difference between the two groups (P=0.02). The number of operations in the two groups was 1.33±0.5 vs3.5±1.2 (P=0.0037), respectively. Prognosis: Nonoperation cure rate, absorption rate of pseudocyst, hospital stay and survival rate in SAP group and FSAP group were 100 % (22/22) vs11.1% (1/9), 77.3 % (17/22) vs 11.1%(1/9), 54.2±35.9 vs99.1±49.5 days (P=0.008) and 100 %(22/22) vs66.7 % (6/9) (P=0.0044). The time for absorption of pseudocyst was 135.1±137.5 days in SAP group.CONCLUSION: Penta-association therapy is an effective guideline in the treatment of hyperlipidemic severe acute pancreatitis at its early stage (within 72 hours).     

Dachaihu decoction ameliorates pancreatic fibrosis by inhibiting macrophage infiltration in chronic pancreatitis

AIM To explore the role of macrophages in chronic pancreatitis(CP) and the effect of Dachaihu decoction(DCHD) on pancreatic fibrosis in mice.METHODS Kun Ming mice were randomly divided into a control group, CP group, and DCHD group. In the CP and DCHD groups, mice were intraperitoneally injected with 20% L-arginine(3 g/kg twice 1 d/wk for 6 wk). Mice in the DCHD group were administered DCHD intragastrically at a dose of 14 g/kg/d 1 wk after CP induction. At 2 wk, 4 wk and 6 wk post-modeling, the morphology of the pancreas was observed using hematoxylin and eosin, and Masson staining. Interleukin-6(IL-6) serum levels were assayed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Double immunofluorescence staining was performed to observe the co-expression of F4/80 and IL-6 in the pancreas. Inflammatory factors including monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1), macrophage inflammatory protein-1α(MIP-1α) and IL-6 were determined using real time-polymerase chain reaction. Western blot analysis was used to detect fibronectin levels in the pancreas. RESULTS Compared with the control group, mice with 20% L-arginine-induced CP had obvious macrophage infiltration and a higher level of fibrosis. IL-6 serum concentrations were significantly increased. Double immunofluorescence staining showed that IL-6 and F4/80 were co-expressed in the pancreas. With the administration of DCHD, the infiltration of macrophages and degree of fibrosis in the pancreas were significantly attenuated; IL-6, MCP-1 and MIP-1α m RNA, and fibronectin levels were reduced. CONCLUSION The dominant role of macrophages in the development of CP was mainly related to IL-6 production. DCHD was effective in ameliorating pancreatic fibrosis by inhibiting macrophage infiltration and inflammatory factor secretion in the pancreas.     

麝香保心丸对心力衰竭大鼠Th1和Th2型细胞因子水平的影响

Objective To investigate the effects of Shexiangbaoxin pills (SXBXP) on the serum levels of T helper type 1 (Th1) cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-α),interferon-γ(IFN-γ) and T helper type 2 (Th2) cytokines incloding interleukin-4 (IL-4),interleukin-10 (IL-10)in rats with chronic heart failure (CHF).Methods The CHF models were established by left anterior descending coronary artery ligation.Fifty-four Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups:control group,sham operation group,CHF model group,small dose SXBXP group,large dose SXBXP group and positive medicine group.Heart function was examined by echocardiography before and after therapy,the TNF-α and IL-10 levels were measured by radioimmunoassay,IFN-γ and IL-4 levels were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results (1) Before therapy,there was no significant difference between control group and sham operation group in ejection fraction of left ventricle (LVEF).Compared with control group and sham operation group,the levels of LVEF were significantly decreased in CHF model group,small dose SXBXP group,large dose SXBXP group and positive medicine group (all P＜0.01).(2) After therapy,compared with sham operation group,the serum levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ were markedly increased,and IL-4 and IL-10 were significantly decreased in CHF model group (all P＜0.01 ).Compared with CHF model group,LVEF was significantly improved,serum levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ were markedly decreased,IL-4 and IL-10 were markedly increased in large dose SXBXP group (all P＜0.05).In small dose SXBXP group,serum levels of IFN-γ were markedly decreased and IL-10 were markedly increased (all P＜0.05).In positive medicine group,serum levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ were markedly decreased and IL-10 were markedly increased (all P＜0.05).In small dose SXBXP group and positive medicine group,serum levels of IL-4 increased and LVEF decreased,even though there was no significant difference compared with CHF model group.Conclusions The SXBXP therapy of rats with CHF induced by myocardial infarction improves the heart function,decreases the serum levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ,and increases serum levels of IL-4 and IL-10.     

麝香保心丸对心力衰竭大鼠Th1和Th2型细胞因子水平的影响

Objective To investigate the effects of Shexiangbaoxin pills (SXBXP) on the serum levels of T helper type 1 (Th1) cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-α),interferon-γ(IFN-γ) and T helper type 2 (Th2) cytokines incloding interleukin-4 (IL-4),interleukin-10 (IL-10)in rats with chronic heart failure (CHF).Methods The CHF models were established by left anterior descending coronary artery ligation.Fifty-four Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups:control group,sham operation group,CHF model group,small dose SXBXP group,large dose SXBXP group and positive medicine group.Heart function was examined by echocardiography before and after therapy,the TNF-α and IL-10 levels were measured by radioimmunoassay,IFN-γ and IL-4 levels were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results (1) Before therapy,there was no significant difference between control group and sham operation group in ejection fraction of left ventricle (LVEF).Compared with control group and sham operation group,the levels of LVEF were significantly decreased in CHF model group,small dose SXBXP group,large dose SXBXP group and positive medicine group (all P＜0.01).(2) After therapy,compared with sham operation group,the serum levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ were markedly increased,and IL-4 and IL-10 were significantly decreased in CHF model group (all P＜0.01 ).Compared with CHF model group,LVEF was significantly improved,serum levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ were markedly decreased,IL-4 and IL-10 were markedly increased in large dose SXBXP group (all P＜0.05).In small dose SXBXP group,serum levels of IFN-γ were markedly decreased and IL-10 were markedly increased (all P＜0.05).In positive medicine group,serum levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ were markedly decreased and IL-10 were markedly increased (all P＜0.05).In small dose SXBXP group and positive medicine group,serum levels of IL-4 increased and LVEF decreased,even though there was no significant difference compared with CHF model group.Conclusions The SXBXP therapy of rats with CHF induced by myocardial infarction improves the heart function,decreases the serum levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ,and increases serum levels of IL-4 and IL-10.     

Effect of resveratrol on activation of nuclear factor kappa-B and inflammatory factors in rat model of acute pancreatitis

AIM: To observe the effect of resveratrol on nuclear factor Kappa-B (NF-κB) activation and the inflammatory response in sodium taurocholate-induced pancreatitis in rats. METHODS: Seventy-two male SD rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham operation group (control), severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) group, and severe acute pancreatitis group treated with resveratrol (RES). A SAP model was established by injecting 4% sodium taurocholate 1 mL/kg through puncturing the pancreatic duct. In Res group, Res was given at 30 mg/kg b.m. intraperitoneally after the SAP model was successfully established. Eight animals from each group were sacrificed at 3, 6 and 12 h after modeling. The expression of NF-κB activation of pancreas was detected by irnmunohistochemical staining, whereas the levels of TNF-α and IL-8 in pancreatic tissues were estimated by radioimrnunoassay. The pathological changes of pancreas and lungs were examined microscopically. RESULTS: Much less hyperemia, edema, dust-colored necrotic focus and soaps were noticed in pancreas in RES group than in SAP group. In RES group, hemorrhage, exudates and infiltration of inflammatory cells in pancreas and interstitial edema, destruction of alveolar wall in lung were significantly less than in SAP group. In the SAP group, the activation of NF-κB in pancreatic tissues was enhanced significantly at any measure point compared with control group (64.23±10.72% vs 2.56±0.65%, 55.86±11.34% vs 2.32±0.42%, 36.23±2.30% vs 2.40±0.36%,P<0.01), TNF-α, IL-8 were also increased and reached their peak at 6 h and then declined. The activation of NF-κB and the levels of TNF-α and IL-8 in RES group were significantly lower than those in SAP group (P<0.01): activation (52.63±9.45% vs 64.23±10.72%, 40.52±8.40% vs 55.86±11.34%, 29.83±5.37% vs 36.23±2.30%), TNF-α (132.76±15.68 pg/mL vs 158.36±12.58 pg/mL, 220.32±23.57 pg/mL vs 247.67± 11.62 pg/mL, 175.68±18.43 pg/mL vs 197.35±12.57 pg/mL) and IL-8 (0.62±0.21 μg/L vs 0.83±0.10 μg/L, 1.10±0.124 μg/L vs1.32±0.18 μg/L, 0.98±0.16 μg/L vs 1.27±0.23μg/L). CONCLUSION: The activation of NF-KB is involved in the inflammatory response of rats with SAP. Resveratrol could effectively inhibit the expression of NF-κB activation, alleviate the severity of SAP through its anti-inflammatory effects and regulate the inflammatory mediators.     

Serum IL-6, TNFα and CRP levels in Greek colorectal cancer patients: Prognostic implications

AIM: The significance of preoperative serum IL-6, TNFα and CRP levels in the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) has not been fully elucidated. Our intention was to investigate their role and identify their prognostic significance. METHODS: The IL-6, TNFa and CRP levels were measured in 74 CRC patients and the relationships between their elevations and both the clinicopathological factors and prognosis of patients were investigated. Serum concentrations of human IL-6 and TNFα were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). CRP was measured by an immunoturbinometric method. RESULTS: Median IL-6, TNFα and CRP levels were significantly higher in CRC patients than in normal controls. High levels of serum IL-6, TNFα and CRP were correlated with larger tumor size. Furthermore, high IL-6 and high CRP levels were associated with reduced overall survival. CONCLUSION: Serum IL-6, TNFα and CRP levels definitely increase in CRC patients. Pre-operative serum elevation of IL-6 and CRP was thus found to be predictor of the prognosis of CRC patients. The clinical value of TNFα in CRC needs to be further investigated.     

Is leptin related to systemic inflammatory response in acute pancreatitis？

AIM: To evaluate the relationship between leptin and systemic inflammation in acute pancreatitis. METHODS: Consecutive patients with acute pancreatitis were included. Body mass index and serum samples were obtained at admission. Leptin, TNF-α, IL-6, -8 and -10 levels were determined by ELISA. Severity was defined according to Atlanta criteria. RESULTS: Fifty-two (29 females) patients were studied. Overall body mass index was similar between mild and severe cases, although women with severe pancreatitis had lower body mass index (P = 0.04) and men showed higher body mass index (P = 0.05). No difference was found in leptin levels regarding the severity of pancreatitis, but higher levels tended to appear in male patients with increased body mass index and severe pancreatitis (P = 0.1). A multivariate analysis showed no association between leptin levels and severity. The strongest cytokine associated with severity was IL-6. Correlations of leptin with another cytokines only showed a trend for IL-8 (P = 0.058). CONCLUSION: High body mass index was associated with severity only in males, which may be related to android fat distribution. Serum leptin seems not to play a role on the systemic inflammatory response in acute pancreatitis and its association with severe outcome in males might represent a marker of increased adiposity.     

Fractalkine and TGF-β1 levels reflect the severity of chronic pancreatitis in humans

MM： To clarify whether serum chemokine and cytokine levels can become useful biological and functional markers to assess the severity of chronic pancreatitis （CP）. This study aimed at clarifying whether serum chemokine and cytokine levels can become useful biological and functional markers to assess the severity of CR METHODS： Serum monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 （MCP-1）, transforming growth factor beta-1 （TGF-βI）, and soluble type fractalkine （s-fractalkine） concentrations were examined in patients with CP （n = 109） and healthy controls （n = 116）. Severity of disease was classified in patients with CP by a staging system. Relationships between stage-specific various clinical factors and serum MCP-1, TGF-β1, and s-fractalkine levels were investigated. Furthermore, 57 patients with non-alcoholic CP were similarly evaluated in order to exclude influence of alcohol intake. RESULTS： Patients with CP showed significant higher levels of serum TGF-β1 and s-fractalkine, but not MCP-1, compared to the controls. Serum TGF-β1 in the severe stage and s-fractalkine in the mild and thesevere stage of CP significantly increased compared to those of controls. However, it was observed that both TGF-β1 and s-fractalkine levels were affected by alcohol intake. In patients with non-alcoholic CP, serum TGF-β1 showed significant increase in the moderate stage of CP, and serum s-fractalkine revealed significant increase in the early stage of CP. CONCLUSION： It is suggested that the measurement of serum F-fractalkine is useful to diagnose early- stage CP. Moreover, the combined determination of both, s-fractalkine and TGF-β1, in human sera may be helpful in evaluating the severity status of CP.     

Comparison of integrated Chinese and Western medicine with and without somatostatin supplement in the treatment of severe acute pancreatitis

AIM: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of the combined use of early short-term somatostatin and conventional integrated Chinese and Western medicine in treating severe acute pancreatitis. METHODS: Sixty patients with severe acute pancreatitis were divided at random into a somatostatin group and a basic treatment group. Both groups received integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine without surgery. For patients in the somatostatin group, somatostatin was infused intravenously 250 μg/h for 72 h; other medications were the same as in the basic treatment group. In both groups, comparisons of therapeutic effectiveness were made in terms of morbidity of organic dysfunction and mortality rate, and severity of the disease according to serum levels of C-reaction protein, scores of acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE Ⅱ), and scores of Balthazar-CT. RESULTS: The indexes for C-reaction protein levels on the fourth and seventh clays, and APACHE II scores on the seventh day after treatment, were significantly improved in the somatostatin group than in the basic treatment group. The morbidity of organic dysfunction was lower in the somatostatin group than in the basic treatment group, although the difference was not statistically significant. There was no significant difference in mortality between the two groups. CONCLUSION: We conclude that combined traditional Chinese and Western medicines with an early short-term use of somatostatin can improve the condition of patients with severe acute pancreatitis.     

Effect of 5-FU on modulation of disarrangement of immuneassociated cytokines in experimental acute pancreatitis

AIM： To investigate the effects of 5-Fluorouracil （5-FU） on modulation of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in acute pancreatitis and the mechanism of it in the treatment of acute pancreatitis. METHODS： Male Sprague Dawley rats were assigned to 3 Groups： Group A, sham operated rats as controls （n = 7）; Group B, acute pancreatitis induced by ductal injection with 5% sodium cholate at a volume of 1.0 mL/kg without any other treatment; Group C, after the pancreatitis was induced as in Group B, the rats were injected intravenously with 5-FU 40 mg/kg. The animals in Groups B and C were killed at 2, 6 and 24 h after operation （n = 7）, and blood samples were taken for measurement of tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）, interleukin-1 （IL-1）, interleukin-6 （IL-6） （by bioassay）, and interleukin-10 （IL-10）, transforming growth factor-β （TGF-β） （by ELISA）. The wet weight of pancreatic tissue, serum amylase levels and white blood cells were also measured. RESULTS： Four rats in Group B and one in Group C died after pancreatitis was induced. Both pro-inflammatory cytokines （TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6） at the 2 and 6 h period and the anti-inflammatory cytokines （IL-10, TGF-β） at 24 h increased significantly （P 〈 0.05） in rats of Group B. After treatment with 5-FU, TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6 in serum of rats of Group C were inhibited at 2 and 6 h after operation （P 〈 0.05）, and IL-IO, TGF-13 were inhibited at 24 h compared to Group B （P 〈 0.05）. Obvious improvements in the severity of the acute pancreatitis, including the amylase levels, wet weight of pancreatic tissue and neutrophil counts, were also observed after treatment with 5-FU. CONCLUSION： 5-FU is an anti-metabolic and immunosuppressive agent which can minimize the abnormal immune o/tokine response and relieve the pathophysiological disorders associated with experimental acute pancreatitis.     

Caspase-1 inhibition alleviates acute renal injury in rats with severe acute pancreatitis

AIM:To assess the effect of inhibition of caspase-1 on acute renal injury in rats with severe acute pancreatitis(SAP).METHODS:Forty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups:healthy controls(HC,n=6),SAP rats treated with saline(SAP-S,n=18),or SAP rats treated with a caspase-1/interleukin(IL)-1β-converting-enzyme(ICE)inhibitor(SAP-I-ICE,n=18).SAP was induced by retrograde infusion of 5%sodium taurocholate into the bile-pancreatic duct.HC rats were subjected to identical treatment and surgical procedures without sodium taurocholate.Rats received an intraperitoneal injection of isotonic saline(SAP-S)or the inhibitor(SAP-ICE-I)at 2 and 12 h after induction of acute pancreatitis.Surviving rats were sacrificed at different time points after SAP induction;all samples were obtained and stored for subsequent analyses.The levels of blood urea nitrogen(BUN)and creatinine(Cr)were measured using automatic methods,and serum IL-1βconcentrations were measured by an enzymelinked immunosorbent assay.Intrarenal expression of IL-1β,IL-18 and caspase-1 mRNAs was detected by RT-PCR.IL-1βprotein expression and the pathologic changes in kidney tissues were observed by microscopy after immunohistochemical or hematoxylin and eosin staining,respectively.RESULTS:The serum levels of BUN and Cr in the SAP-S group were 12.48±2.30 mmol/L and 82.83±13.89μmol/L at 6 h,23.53±2.58 mmol/L and 123.67±17.67μmol/L at 12 h,and 23.60±3.33 mmol/L and125.33±21.09μmol/L at 18 h,respectively.All were significantly increased compared to HC rats(P<0.01for all).Levels in SAP-ICE-I rats were significantly decreased compared to SAP-S rats both at 12 and 18 h(P<0.01 for all).Serum IL-1βlevels in the SAP-S group were 276.77±44.92 pg/mL at 6 h,308.99±34.95pg/mL at 12 h,and 311.60±46.51 pg/mL at 18 h;all significantly higher than those in the HC and SAP-ICE-I groups(P<0.01 for all).Intrarenal expression of IL-1βmRNA was weak in HC rats,but increased significantly in SAP-S rats(P<0.01).ICE inhibition significantly decreased the expression of IL-1βand IL-18 mRNAs(P<0.05 for all vs SAP-S),whereas caspase-1 mRNA expression was not significantly different.Weak IL-1βimmunostaining was observed in HC animals,and marked staining was found in the SAP-S group mainly in renal tubular epithelial cells.IL-1βimmunostaining was significantly descended in SAP-ICE-I rats compared to SAP-S rats(P<0.05).Caspase-1 inhibition had no effect on the severity of kidney tissue destruction.CONCLUSION:The expression of caspase-1-activated cytokines IL-1βand IL-18 plays a pivotal role in acute renal injury in rats with experimental SAP.Caspase-1inhibition improves renal function effectively.     

生长抑素和生长激素联用对兔重症急性胰腺炎肠黏膜屏障损伤的保护作用

Objective To investigate the protective effect of somatostatin (SS)combined with growth hormone (GH) in treatment of intestinal mucosal barrier injury in rabbits with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), as well as its clinical significance. Methods Seventy-two rabbits were equally assigned into model group (SAP group), SS treated group (SS group) and SS combined with GH treated group (SS + GH group). SAP models were induced by retro-injection of 5% sodium taurocholate into the pancreatic duct. After modeling, all rabbits were given 5 % glucose saline daily.The rabbits in SS group and SS+GH group were continuously Given SS (3.5μg·kg-1·h-1)for 48 hours. Besides, the rabbits in SS+GH group were subcutaneously injected with 0.15 IU/kg of GH at the 1st and the 24th hours after modeling. The levels of serum amylase, serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and plasma diamine oxidase were measured at the 6th, 12th, 24th and 48th hours after modeling. The pathological changes of pancreatic tissue and ileal mucosa were observed. Survival rate was calculated. Data were analyzed using SPSS 16.0 software. The univariate analysis was used to compare the difference among groups. Results In SS+GH group, the levels of serum TNF-α and plasma diamine oxidase were (2. 43 ± 0. 14) pg/ml and (4. 61 ± 0. 45) U/L at the 24th hour respectively, and were (2.08±0.23) pg/ml and (3.75±0.47) U/L at the 48th hour, respectively,which were lower than those in SAP group and SS group [(2.80 0.30) pg/ml and (8.74 ± 1.77)U/L, respectively, at the 24th hour; (2. 45±0.12) pg/ml and (5. 02±0.95) U/L, respectively, at the 48th hour)]with significant difference (P＜0.05). The inflammation in pancreas and ileal mucosa was alleviated, and the integrity of bowel mucosa was improved. Survival rate of SS+GH group was significantly higher than SAP group and SS group. There was no significant difference in level of serum amylase between SS+GH group and SS group. Conclusion The combination of SS with GH may enhance the function of intestinal mucosa barrier and improve the prognosis of SAP in rabbits.