Original Paper

Effects of -3 Fatty Acids on Acute Necrotizing Pancreatitis in Rats
E. Alhan^a, S. Türkylmaz^a, C. Erçin^d, N. Kaklkkaya^b, B.V. Kural^c

Departments of
^aSurgery,
^bMicrobiology and
^cBiochemistry, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, and
^dDepartment of Pathology, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey

Address of Corresponding Author

Eur Surg Res 2006;38:314-321 (DOI: 10.1159/000094019)

  Key Words

• Acute pancreatitis
• -3 fatty acids therapy

  Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of-3 fatty acids (3FA) on acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP) induced by glycodeoxycholic acid in rats. The induction of ANP resulted in significant increases in mortality rate, intestinal permeability, bacterial infection in pancreas and extrapancreatic organs, and serum activity of urea and amylase, alanine transferase (ALT), interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrotizing factor- (TNF-), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, tissue activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the pancreas and lung, and a considerable decrease of concentrations of calcium, protein and albumin. The use of 3FA reduced mortality, phenol sulfophthalein excretion in urine, bacterial infection in pancreas, liver, spleen, MPO and MDA levels in pancreatic and lung tissue, LDH level in BAL fluid and serum IL-6 and TNF- values. Serum triglyceride increased only in the 3FA groups. Serum amylase, ALT, calcium, urea, protein, IL-1, and degree of pancreatic damage indicated no difference between the pancreatitis groups. Increased intestinal permeability and cytokine levels, and free radical damage play an important role during the course of acute pancreatitis. The treatment with 3FA improves these effects. 3FA may be useful in the treatment during ANP in rats. Therefore, it can be beneficial in patients with pancreatitis.

Copyright © 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

Prof. Dr. Etem Alhan
Farabi Hospital, Department of Surgery, Karadeniz Technical University
TR-61080 Trabzon (Turkey)
Tel./Fax +90 462 325 2821, E-Mail alhan@meds.ktu.edu.tr

  Article Information

Received: February 26, 2006
Accepted after revision: April 28, 2006
Published online: June 19, 2006
Number of Print Pages : 8
Number of Figures : 3, Number of Tables : 5, Number of References : 37