The protective effects of taurine on experimental acute pancreatitis in a rat model

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of taurine (Tau) on experimental acute pancreatitis (AP) in a rat model by measuring cytokines and oxidant stress markers.

Forty rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham, AP, Tau and AP + Tau. AP was induced with sodium taurocholate. No treatment was given to the AP. All rats were killed 5 days later. Pancreatic tissues of rats and blood samples were obtained.

Tau treatment significantly decreased serum amylase activity ( p < 0.001), total injury score ( p < 0.001), malondialdehyde levels ( p < 0.001) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity ( p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the Tau and AP + Tau groups in serum and pancreatic tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 levels ( p = 1.000). Histopathologic scores in the AP + Tau and Tau groups were significantly lower compared with the AP group (both p < 0.001).

These results showed that Tau reduces lipid peroxidation, amylase and MPO activities and the concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines secondary to AP and also increases superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities in rats with sodium taurocholate-induced AP. It also has a marked ameliorative effect at histopathologic lesions. With these effects, Tau protects the cells from oxidative damage, reduces inflammation and promotes regression of pancreatic damage.

Effects of prevention of oxidative and nitro-oxidative stress on experimental rat colon anastomosis using acetylcysteine, Ebselen and 1400w

Oxygen radicals and radicals derived from nitrogen metabolism are important in wound and anostomotic healing. In particular, nitrous oxide, originating from induced nitrous oxide synthetase, retards the wound healing process by producing peroxynitride. Therefore induced nitric oxide synthase (INOS) inhibitors and peroxynitride cleansing agents seem helpful in promoting healing. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of N-acetylcysteine (antioxidant), ebselen (peroxynitride cleansing agent) and 1400w (INOS inhibitor) on experimental colonic anastomotic wound healing.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

45 randomized Sprague-Dawley rats received colonic anastomosis, and all animals were treated for four days with drugs specific for each group except for the sham and control groups. All rats were given a relaparatomy on the fifth day of the study and evaluated for study parameters indicating anastomotic healing, burst pressure, tissue malondialdehit (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and hydroxyproline (OH-proline).

RESULTS

when compared to the control group, increased (p < 0.01) burst pressure, OH-proline and decreased MDA, and SOD levels were noted in the 1400w group. Furthermore, the GPx levels were higher (p < 0.05) in rats given NAC therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

the positive results of selective INOS inhibition using 1400w in this study confirm the adverse effects of the INOS enzyme on anastomotic wound healing. Therefore, we have concluded that 1400w may be helpful in promoting anastomotic healing.