The effect of smoking on expression of IL-6 and antioxidants in pancreatic fluids and tissues in patients with chronic pancreatitis.
OBJECTIVE
The present study was conducted to ascertain whether cigarette smoke induces oxidative stress in the human pancreas concurrently with inflammation.


METHODS
The influence of tobacco smoking on the serum level of interleukin-6 (IL-6), on the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn SOD) as well as on the metallothionein (MT) level in the pancreatic pseudocyst fluid and its immunohistochemical localization in tissues of non-smoking (n = 9) and smoking (n = 12) patients with diagnosed chronic pancreatitis (CP) was measured. The concentration of interleukin-6 and metallothionein was determined by means of ELISA and the radioisotopic method, respectively. The enzyme activities in the fluid were assayed by the colorimetric method. Samples of tissues of normal pancreas (n = 4) and CP (non-smoking n = 7; smoking n = 12) were verified histopathologically and then IL-6, MT and enzymes were localized by immunohistochemical staining using the monoclonal anti-human antibody.


RESULTS
The concentrations of metallothionein and interleukin-6 were significantly higher in smoking patients with CP (as compared with the non-smoking population (p < 0.01; p < 0.001). Interestingly, the ratio of MT/IL-6 in smoking patients with CP was reduced in comparison to non-smoking patients (respectively: 1.1; 5.6). In smoking patients, a significant elevation of the Cu/Zn SOD and GPx activities was revealed as compared with the non-smokers (p < 0.04; p < 0.0007). These studies clearly demonstrate a moderate and strong expression of IL-6 and enzymes in acinar, islet and duct cells of smoking patients.


CONCLUSIONS
These observations favor the role of the oxidative stress in the induction of pancreatitis associated with chronic cigarette smoke inhalation.
Department of Biomedical and Environmental Analysis, Wrocław Medical University, Grunwaldzka 2, 50-355 Wroclaw, Poland. mariola.sliwinska-mosson@am.wroc.pl
Mariola
M
Sliwińska-Mossoń
Halina
H
Milnerowicz
Monika
M
Jabłonowska
Stanisław
S
Milnerowicz
Stanisław
S
Nabzdyk
Jerzy
J
Rabczyński
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000032:analysis*; D001826:Body Fluids / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000201:enzymology; D005260:Female; D005979:Glutathione Peroxidase / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008668:Metallothionein / Q000032:analysis; D008875:Middle Aged; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D010179:Pancreas / Q000378:metabolism*; D050500:Pancreatitis, Chronic / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism*; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase / Q000378:metabolism
D000975:Antioxidants; D015850:Interleukin-6; D008668:Metallothionein; D005979:Glutathione Peroxidase; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase