scholarly journals Protective Effect of Melatonin on Acute Pancreatitis

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jolanta Jaworek ◽  
Joanna Szklarczyk ◽  
Andrzej K. Jaworek ◽  
Katarzyna Nawrot-Porąbka ◽  
Anna Leja-Szpak ◽  
...  

Melatonin, a product of the pineal gland, is released from the gut mucosa in response to food ingestion. Specific receptors for melatonin have been detected in many gastrointestinal tissues including the pancreas. Melatonin as well as its precursor, L-tryptophan, attenuates the severity of acute pancreatitis and protects the pancreatic tissue from the damage caused by acute inflammation. The beneficial effect of melatonin on acute pancreatitis, which has been reported in many experimental studies and supported by clinical observations, is related to: (1) enhancement of antioxidant defense of the pancreatic tissue, through direct scavenging of toxic radical oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen (RNS) species, (2) preservation of the activity of antioxidant enzymes; such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), or glutathione peroxidase (GPx), (3) the decline of pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosisα(TNFα) production, accompanied by stimulation of an anti-inflammatory IL-10, (4) improvement of pancreatic blood flow and decrease of neutrophil infiltration, (5) reduction of apoptosis and necrosis in the inflamed pancreatic tissue, (6) increased production of chaperon protein (HSP60), and (7) promotion of regenerative process in the pancreas.Conclusion. Endogenous melatonin produced from L-tryptophan could be one of the native mechanisms protecting the pancreas from acute damage and accelerating regeneration of this gland. The beneficial effects of melatonin shown in experimental studies suggest that melatonin ought to be employed in the clinical trials as a supportive therapy in acute pancreatitis and could be used in people at high risk for acute pancreatitis to prevent the development of pancreatic inflammation.

1998 ◽  
Vol 274 (1) ◽  
pp. G42-G51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Bloechle ◽  
Klaus Kusterer ◽  
Regina M. Kuehn ◽  
Claus Schneider ◽  
Wolfram T. Knoefel ◽  
...  

The effect of B2 receptor bradykinin antagonist icatibant on postcapillary leukostasis, microcirculatory stasis, and tissue necrosis was studied in acute pancreatitis. In rats, pancreatitis was induced by intraductal injection of sodium taurocholate (ST), intravenous caerulein and intraductal infusion of glucodeoxycholic acid (GDOC), or intravenous caerulein infusion alone. Intravital pancreatic microcirculation was observed. Icatibant or vehicle was given 30 min before induction of pancreatitis. In ST pancreatitis, the number of perfused capillaries increased in icatibant-pretreated rats (77% vs. 0% for controls, P < 0.001). Capillary flow was preserved in icatibant-treated rats; total stasis was observed in controls. Mean venular leukocyte adherence decreased in icatibant-treated rats (26% vs. 74% for controls, P < 0.001), and median histopathologic score was reduced (icatibant vs. controls, 5.0 vs. 12 points, respectively; P < 0.01). Kinase II inhibitor captopril or exogenous bradykinin in addition to an otherwise effective dosage of icatibant resulted in microcirculatory stasis, extensive venular leukocyte adherence, and severe histological damage. With a 100 times greater icatibant dosage, this adverse effect was compensated. The beneficial effects of icatibant were also observed in intermediate pancreatitis (caerulein + GDOC). In ST and intermediate pancreatitis, icatibant preserved microcirculation, reduced venular leukocyte adherence, and prevented pancreatic tissue damage. B2 receptor bradykinin-mediated postcapillary leukostasis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of severe forms of acute pancreatitis.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Gaman ◽  
Dorin Dragos ◽  
Adelina Vlad ◽  
Georgiana Catalina Robu ◽  
Mugurel Petrinel Radoi ◽  
...  

Despite recent advances in understanding the complex pathogenesis of pancreatitis, the management of the disease remains suboptimal. The use of phytoceuticals (plant-derived pleiotropic multitarget molecules) represents a new research trend in pancreatology. The purpose of this review is to discuss the phytoceuticals with pancreatoprotective potential in acute pancreatitis and whose efficacy is based, at least in part, on their capacity to modulate the acinar cell death. The phytochemicals selected, belonging to such diverse classes as polyphenols, flavonoids, lignans, anthraquinones, sesquiterpene lactones, nitriles, and alkaloids, target the balance between apoptosis and necrosis. Activation of apoptosis via various mechanisms (e.g., inhibition of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis proteins by embelin, upregulation of FasL gene expression by resveratrol) and/or inhibition of necrosis seem to represent the essential key for decreasing the severity of the disease. Apart from targeting the apoptosis/necrosis balance, the phytochemicals displayed other specific protective activities: inhibition of inflammasome (e.g., rutin), suppression of neutrophil infiltration (e.g., ligustrazine, resveratrol), and antioxidant activity. Even though many of the selected phytoceuticals represent a promising therapeutic alternative, there is a shortage of human evidence, and further studies are required to provide solid basis to justify their use in the treatment of pancreatitis.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jolanta Jaworek ◽  
Barbara Tudek ◽  
Paweł Kowalczyk ◽  
Michalina Kot ◽  
Joanna Szklarczyk ◽  
...  

Background. Endotoxin (LPS), the component of Gram-negative bacteria, is responsible for sepsis and neonatal mortality, but low concentrations of LPS produced tissue protection in experimental studies. The effects of LPS applied to the suckling rats on the pancreas of adult animals have not been previously explored. We present the impact of neonatal endotoxemia on the pancreatic exocrine function and on the acute pancreatitis which has been investigated in the adult animals. Endotoxemia was induced in suckling rats by intraperitoneal application of LPS from Escherichia coli or Salmonella typhi. In the adult rats, pretreated in the early period of life with LPS, histological manifestations of acute pancreatitis have been reduced. Pancreatic weight and plasma lipase activity were decreased, and SOD concentration was reversed and accompanied by a significant reduction of lipid peroxidation products (MDA + 4 HNE) in the pancreatic tissue. In the pancreatic acini, the significant increases in protein signals for toll-like receptor 4 and for heat shock protein 60 were found. Signal for the CCK1 receptor was reduced and pancreatic secretory responses to caerulein were diminished, whereas basal enzyme secretion was unaffected. These pioneer studies have shown that exposition of suckling rats to endotoxin has an impact on the pancreas in the adult organism.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michittra Boonchan ◽  
Hideki Arimochi ◽  
Kunihiro Otsuka ◽  
Tomoko Kobayashi ◽  
Hisanori Uehara ◽  
...  

AbstractThe sensing of various extrinsic stimuli triggers the receptor-interacting protein kinase-3 (RIPK3)-mediated signaling pathway, which leads to mixed-lineage kinase-like (MLKL) phosphorylation followed by necroptosis. Although necroptosis is a form of cell death and is involved in inflammatory conditions, the roles of necroptosis in acute pancreatitis (AP) remain unclear. In the current study, we administered caerulein to Ripk3- or Mlkl-deficient mice (Ripk3−/− or Mlkl−/− mice, respectively) and assessed the roles of necroptosis in AP. We found that Ripk3−/− mice had significantly more severe pancreatic edema and inflammation associated with macrophage and neutrophil infiltration than control mice. Consistently, Mlkl−/− mice were more susceptible to caerulein-induced AP, which occurred in a time- and dose-dependent manner, than control mice. Mlkl−/− mice exhibit weight loss, edematous pancreatitis, necrotizing pancreatitis, and acinar cell dedifferentiation in response to tissue damage. Genetic deletion of Mlkl resulted in downregulation of the antiapoptotic genes Bclxl and Cflar in association with increases in the numbers of apoptotic cells, as detected by TUNEL assay. These findings suggest that RIPK3 and MLKL-mediated necroptosis exerts protective effects in AP and caution against the use of necroptosis inhibitors for AP treatment.


Author(s):  
Mary Anne Lagmay Tanay ◽  
Jo Armes ◽  
Rona Moss-Morris ◽  
Anne Marie Rafferty ◽  
Glenn Robert

Abstract Background Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) can result in functional difficulties. Pharmacological interventions used to prevent CIPN either show low efficacy or lack evidence to support their use and to date, duloxetine remains the only recommended treatment for painful CIPN. Non-pharmacological interventions such as exercise and behavioural interventions for CIPN exist. Purpose The aims were to (1) identify and appraise evidence on existing behavioural and exercise interventions focussed on preventing or managing CIPN symptoms, (2) describe psychological mechanisms of action by which interventions influenced CIPN symptoms, (3) determine the underpinning conceptual models that describe how an intervention may create behaviour change, (4) identify treatment components of each intervention and contextual factors, (5) determine the nature and extent of patient and clinician involvement in developing existing interventions and (6) summarise the relative efficacy or effectiveness of interventions to lessen CIPN symptoms and to improve quality of life, balance and muscle strength. Methods A systematic search of Ovid Medline, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Health Management Information Consortium, Global Health and CINAHL was performed to identify articles published between January 2000 to May 2020, followed by OpenGrey search and hand-searching of relevant journals. Studies that explored behavioural and/or exercise interventions designed to prevent or improve symptoms of CIPN in adults who had received or were receiving neurotoxic chemotherapy for any type of cancer, irrespective of when delivered within the cancer pathway were included. Results Nineteen randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies which explored behavioural (n=6) and exercise (n=13) interventions were included. Four studies were rated as methodologically strong, ten were moderate and five were weak. Ten exercise and two behavioural interventions, including those that improved CIPN knowledge and self-management resources and facilitated symptom self-reporting, led to reduced CIPN symptoms during and/or after chemotherapy treatment. Conclusions The extent of potential benefits from the interventions was difficult to judge, due to study limitations. Future interventions should incorporate a clear theoretical framework and involve patients and clinicians in the development process. Implications for Cancer Survivors Our findings show exercise interventions have beneficial effects on CIPN symptoms although higher quality research is warranted. Behavioural interventions that increase patient’s CIPN knowledge, improve self-management capacity and enable timely access to symptom management led to reduced CIPN symptoms.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali A. Aghdassi ◽  
Daniel S. John ◽  
Matthias Sendler ◽  
Christian Storck ◽  
Cindy van den Brandt ◽  
...  

AbstractAcute pancreatitis is characterized by an early intracellular protease activation and invasion of leukocytes into the pancreas. Cathepsins constitute a large group of lysosomal enzymes, that have been shown to modulate trypsinogen activation and neutrophil infiltration. Cathepsin G (CTSG) is a neutrophil serine protease of the chymotrypsin C family known to degrade extracellular matrix components and to have regulatory functions in inflammatory disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of CTSG in pancreatitis. Isolated acinar cells were exposed to recombinant CTSG and supramaximal cholezystokinin stimulation. In CTSG−/− mice and corresponding controls acute experimental pancreatitis was induced by serial caerulein injections. Severity was assessed by histology, serum enzyme levels and zymogen activation. Neutrophil infiltration was quantified by chloro-acetate ersterase staining and myeloperoxidase measurement. CTSG was expessed in inflammatory cells but not in pancreatic acinar cells. CTSG had no effect on intra-acinar-cell trypsinogen activation. In CTSG−/− mice a transient decrease of neutrophil infiltration into the pancreas and lungs was found during acute pancreatitis while the disease severity remained largely unchanged. CTSG is involved in pancreatic neutrophil infiltration during pancreatitis, albeit to a lesser degree than the related neutrophil (PMN) elastase. Its absence therefore leaves pancreatitis severity essentially unaffected.


Author(s):  
Zoltán Horváth ◽  
László Vécsei

The current increase in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular morbidity is a growing burden for society. Consideration must therefore be given to compounds capable of slowing down these pathological processes without significant adverse effects. The natural vitamins pantetheine/pantothenic acid are major precursors of coenzyme A and acyl carrier protein, which are essential for fatty acid oxidation and participate in the metabolism of cholesterol and carbohydrates and in at least 70 other enzymatic processes. Following a number of theoretical considerations and clinical observations, various clinical studies have revealed that they possess significant beneficial effects. In particular, they demonstrate useful moderating effects on vascular pathological processes, lowering lipid levels, and inhibiting platelet functions and lipid peroxidation. Although they are natural, well-tolerated therapeutic agents, few controlled clinical trials have been conducted. The available data suggest the need for larger clinical trials and possible use of pantetheine/pantothenic acid as adjuvant therapy.


Antioxidants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 246
Author(s):  
Daiji Kawanami ◽  
Yuichi Takashi ◽  
Hiroyuki Takahashi ◽  
Ryoko Motonaga ◽  
Makito Tanabe

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) worldwide. Dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-4 inhibitors are widely used in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). DPP-4 inhibitors reduce glucose levels by inhibiting degradation of incretins. DPP-4 is a ubiquitous protein with exopeptidase activity that exists in cell membrane-bound and soluble forms. It has been shown that an increased renal DPP-4 activity is associated with the development of DKD. A series of clinical and experimental studies showed that DPP-4 inhibitors have beneficial effects on DKD, independent of their glucose-lowering abilities, which are mediated by anti-fibrotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidative stress properties. In this review article, we highlight the current understanding of the clinical efficacy and the mechanisms underlying renoprotection by DPP-4 inhibitors under diabetic conditions.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 1838-1843
Author(s):  
Xiaohong Zhou ◽  
Xuzhong Hao ◽  
Feifei He

To investigate whether exosomes (exo) derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (huMSCs) and microRNA (miRNA)-342 have a protective effect on severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). Human umbilical cord blood was collected to extract huMSC-exo. With sham-operated mice as control group (n = 10), the other mice were induced to SAP model (n = 20), while 10 of the SAP mice received treatment with huMSC-exo. ELISA was performed to determine amylase and TAP level as well as inflammatory factors and HE staining to evaluate pathological changes of pancreatic tissue. The expression of miR-342 and Shh, Ptchl, and Smo in the Hh signal pathway was detected using RT-qPCR. The expression of miR-342 and the mRNA expression of Shh, Ptchl, and Smo was higher than that in model group (p < 0.05). The level of serum amylase, trypsinogen, and IFN-γ,Fasl, and IL-6 was upregulated in pancreas tissues of SAP mice relative to healthy mice, but their levels were decreased upon treatment with huMSC-exo and slightly higher than those of the control group, just not significantly. Collectively, the huMSC-exo may activate the Hh signaling pathway by regulating the expression of miR-342 increasing the expression of Shh, Ptchl, and Smo, and thereby healing of damaged pancreatic tissues in SAP.


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