Investigation of the effects of Phenethyl Isothiocyanate on cerulein-induced Acute Pancreatitis in rats

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) on oxidative stress, inflammation, and pancreatic tissue damage in a cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis (AP) model using biochemical, molecular, and histopathological approaches. Material and Method: Three-month-old Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, acute pancreatitis (AP), AP + PEITC (40 mg/kg/day), and AP + PEITC (80 mg/kg/day). Acute pancreatitis was induced by intraperitoneal administration of cerulein. PEITC was administered orally by gastric gavage for 10 consecutive days prior to cerulein injection. Serum levels of amylase, lipase, ALT, AST, and proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1α, IL-1β, CXCL1, TNF-α) were measured. In pancreatic tissue, MDA levels, SOD, CAT), and GPx activities, as well as Nrf2 and NF-κB levels, were analyzed. Histopathological evaluation of pancreatic tissue was also performed. Results: The AP group showed significant increases in serum pancreatic enzymes, proinflammatory cytokines, NF-κB, and MDA levels, accompanied by decreased antioxidant enzyme activities and Nrf2 levels compared to the control group. PEITC treatment significantly reduced oxidative stress markers and inflammatory cytokines while enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities. Histopathological findings demonstrated marked attenuation of pancreatic tissue damage in PEITC-treated groups, with more pronounced improvement observed at the higher dose. Conclusion: These findings suggest that PEITC exerts protective effects against cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, potentially through modulation of the Nrf2 and NF-κB signaling pathways. PEITC may represent a promising supportive therapeutic agent for the management of acute pancreatitis. Key Words: Acute pancreatitis, Cerulein, Phenethyl isothiocyanate