Acute Necrotizing Pancreatitis

Findings from University of Berlin provide new insights into pancreatitis

"One hundred ninety-eight Sprague- Dawley rats (11 groups, n = 18) underwent intraductal glycodesoxycholat instillation and 6-hour cerulein infusion. Afterward, saline was infused in groups 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10, whereas groups 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 received infusion rich in n-3 fatty acids (Omegaven, Fresenius Kabi, Bad Homburg, Germany). Animals were killed after 6 (group 1), 10 (groups 2 and 3), 14 (groups 4 and 5), 18 (groups 6 and 7), 22 (groups 8 and 9), and 26 hours (groups 10 and 11). The pancreas was histopathologically examined, and the pancreatic eicosanoid metabolism (prostaglandin E-2, prostaglandin F-1 alpha [PGF(1 alpha)], and leukotrienes) and lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase) were analyzed. Between the 14th and 26th hours, histopathologic scores (edema, inflammation, bleeding, and necrosis) were reduced in the n-3 fatty acid group compared with the corresponding saline group. Pancreatic prostaglandin E-2 and PGF(1 alpha) were decreased between the 10th and 18th hour by n-3 fatty acids; PGF(1 alpha) was reduced after 26 hours compared with the corresponding saline group. Lipid peroxidation was decreased by n-3 fatty acids after 14 hours (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance); however, there was no difference concerning lipid peroxidation protective enzymes (glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase)," wrote M. Kilian and colleagues, University of Berlin.

The researchers concluded: "Parenteral therapy with n-3 fatty acids decreased histopathologic severity in ANP by early inhibition of prostaglandin (E-2 and F-1 alpha) synthesis and reduction of lipid peroxidation."

Kilian and colleagues published their study in Pancreas (Early Inhibition of Prostaglandin Synthesis by n-3 Fatty Acids Determinates Histologic Severity of Necrotizing Pancreatitis. Pancreas, 2009;38(4):436-441).

For more information, contact M. Kilian, Humboldt University, Medical University of Berlin, Charite Campus Mitte, Clinic General Visceral Vascular & Thorac Surgery, Schumannstr 20-21, D-10117 Berlin, Germany.

Publisher contact information for the journal Pancreas is: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 530 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106-3621, USA.

Keywords: Germany, Berlin, Acute Necrotizing Pancreatitis, Alternative Medicine, Gastroenterology, Metabolism, Pancreas, Pancreatitis, Therapy, Treatment, University of Berlin.

This article was prepared by Gastroenterology Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Gastroenterology Week via NewsRx.com.