Effects of curcumin on experimental pankreatitis in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of curcumin on the systemic effects of pancreatitis and effects on pancreatic tissue on experimental acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP) induced by cerulein and L-Arginine. Fourty-eight Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 300-350 grams were used in this study. The rats were divided into four experimental groups. Group 1 (sham, n=8), Group 2 (Curcumin, n=8), Group 3 (ANP, n=16), Group 4 (ANP+Curcumin, n=16). The acute pancreatitis was induced by a subcutaneous injection of cerulein and intraperitoneal L-arginine. 48 hours after pancreatitis induction, curcumin was given to treatment groups with gavage. 24 hours later, the blood samples were obtained from the sacrificed rats for blood gas analysis, IL-6 and biochemical parameters. The bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed and samples were obtained for BAL-lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The left lung and pancreas were harvested for the measurements of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and malonildialdehide (MDA) levels and histopathological evaluations. The histopathological evaluations were performed by pathology specialist who does not informed about evaluated groups. The edema, inflammation and necrosis of pancreas were assessed. Induction of pancreatitis were resulted with the increased level of AST, Amylase, IL-6, PCO2 on blood analysis, increased level of MDA, MPO on lung and pancreatic tissue, decreased level of pH and PO2 levels on blood gas analysis, decreased level of blood pressure and urine volume. Amylase, IL-6, BAL LDH, pH, pCO2 levels on blood, urine volume, MDA and MPO levels on lung and pancreatic tissue were improved with the administration of Curcumin. In the histopathologic evaluation, induction of pancreatitis was resulted with the increased edema, perivascular infiltration and necrosis on pancreatic tissue. Curcumin significantly decreased the pancreatic necrosis. This study demonstrates that curcumin has a beneficial effect on the cure of ANP in rats.