Effects of cetirizine and dexamethasone on TNF-α, interlukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and Maresin -1 in rats with experimental sepsis

Sepsis holds a prominent position among the leading causes of death, yet its etiopathology remains not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of setirizine and dexamethasone on MaR-1, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 levels in rats subjected to sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) method. Eight to ten-week-old male Sprague Dawley rats were used in the study. These rats were randomly assigned, with 7 rats in each group, to 7 experimental groups (Group 1: control, Group 2: sham, Group 3: sepsis, Group 4: sepsis + saline, Group 5: sepsis + setirizine, Group 6: sepsis + dexamethasone, Group 7: sepsis + dexamethasone + setirizine). Sepsis was induced in groups other than Group 1 (control) and Group 2 (sham) using the CLP method. Group 4 received only saline, Group 5 received setirizine, Group 6 received dexamethasone, and Group 7 received both setirizine and dexamethasone. Before initiating the experiment, the physical findings and body temperatures of all rats were recorded. At the 4th hour of the experiment, tail vein blood samples were collected, and body temperatures were measured again at the 16th hour when all rats were sacrificed. Additionally, at the 16th hour of the experiment, liver, lung, heart, and kidney tissues were collected for histopathological examinations. Animals developing sepsis exhibited a significant increase in body temperatures, general weakness, insensitivity to environmental stimuli, and immobility. In the sepsis group (G3, 4, 5, 6, 7), an increase in neutrophil and white blood cell counts and a decrease in lymphocyte counts were observed. In groups treated with setirizine and dexamethasone (G5, 6, 7), a significant decrease in neutrophil counts and an increase in lymphocyte counts were observed. In response to sepsis, MaR-1 levels significantly decreased (p<0.05) in other groups (G3, 4, 5, 6, 7) despite notable increases in interleukin amounts. It was determined that the application of setirizine and dexamethasone significantly increased MaR-1 levels and simultaneously significantly decreased interleukin levels (p<0.05). The combined application of setirizine and dexamethasone was found to be more effective. This study demonstrated that MaR-1 could potentially be used as a biomarker in the diagnosis and monitoring of sepsis. Setirizine and dexamethasone, especially in combination, were identified as significant options in the treatment of sepsis.