Melatonin attenuates the inflammatory response via inhibiting the C/EBP homologous protein-mediated pathway in taurocholate-induced acute pancreatitis

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate reduces neutrophil extracellular trap formation and tissue injury in severe acute pancreatitis

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) promote intra-acinar trypsin activation and tissue damage. Therefore, reducing NET formation can reduce tissue damage in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). However, NET formation pathways may differ among disease models. In this study, we evaluated the role of the myeloperoxidase-neutrophil elastase (NE) pathway in NET formation in SAP. SAP was induced by intraperitoneal injection of cerulein and LPSs in mice, and NE activity was inhibited by GW311616. Pancreatic tissues were collected for multiplex immunofluorescence, scanning electron microscopy, and western blotting to detect NET formation and the effect of NE on citrullinated histone H3, followed by analyses of serum amylase and cytokine levels. Pretreatment with GW311616 significantly reduced NET formation, pancreatic tissue damage, and systemic inflammatory responses in SAP. Network pharmacology analyses using NE as the target revealed the monomeric compound epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). Binding between EGCG and NE was validated using molecular docking, and the ability of EGCG to inhibit NE activity was verified experimentally. NET formation by PMA-stimulated neutrophils was significantly reduced in vitro when the cells were pretreated with 40 μM EGCG. Pretreatment with EGCG significantly reduced NET formation, pancreatic tissue damage, and systemic inflammatory responses in vivo. These results reveal that NET formation requires the myeloperoxidase-NE pathway, and citrullination of histone H3 is affected by NE activity in SAP. EGCG shows therapeutic potential for affecting NE activity, NET formation, and systemic inflammation in SAP.

Targeting Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress as an Effective Treatment for Alcoholic Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis and alcoholic pancreatitis are serious health concerns with an urgent need for effective treatment strategies. Alcohol is a known etiological factor for pancreatitis, including acute pancreatitis (AP) and chronic pancreatitis (CP). Excessive alcohol consumption induces many pathological stress responses; of particular note is endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and adaptive unfolded protein response (UPR). ER stress results from the accumulation of unfolded/misfolded protein in the ER and is implicated in the pathogenesis of alcoholic pancreatitis. Here, we summarize the possible mechanisms by which ER stress contributes to alcoholic pancreatitis. We also discuss potential approaches targeting ER stress and UPR in developing novel therapeutic strategies for the disease.

Abscisic acid inhibited reactive oxygen species-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress by regulating the PPAR-γ signaling pathway in ARDS mice

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening form of a respiratory disorder, and there are few effective therapies. Abscisic acid (ABA) has been proven to be effective in influenza and asthma. Herein, we explored the protective effect of ABA on the resolution of ARDS and the underlying mechanism. Mice were challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to establish an ARDS model. We found that ABA reduced pulmonary injury, with concomitant suppression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Furthermore, after the elimination of ROS by the specific inhibitor N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), ABA did not further inhibit airway inflammation or ER stress in ARDS mice. In addition, ABA inhibited ROS production through nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation in parallel with elevated levels of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ). Furthermore, the addition of a PPAR-γ antagonist abrogated the suppressive action of ABA on inflammation as well as on ER stress and oxidative stress, while NAC restored the protective effect of ABA in ARDS mice treated with a PPAR-γ antagonist. Collectively, ABA protects against LPS-induced lung injury through PPAR-γ signaling, and this effect may be associated with its inhibitory effect on ROS-mediated ER stress.

Murine Models of Acute Pancreatitis: A Critical Appraisal of Clinical Relevance

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a severe disease associated with high morbidity and mortality. Clinical studies can provide some data concerning the etiology, pathophysiology, and outcomes of this disease. However, the study of early events and new targeted therapies cannot be performed on humans due to ethical reasons. Experimental murine models can be used in the understanding of the pancreatic inflammation, because they are able to closely mimic the main features of human AP, namely their histologic glandular changes and distant organ failure. These models continue to be important research tools for the reproduction of the etiological, environmental, and genetic factors associated with the pathogenesis of this inflammatory pathology and the exploration of novel therapeutic options. This review provides an overview of several murine models of AP. Furthermore, special focus is made on the most frequently carried out models, the protocols used, and their advantages and limitations. Finally, examples are provided of the use of these models to improve knowledge of the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis, identify new biomarkers of severity, and develop new targeted therapies.