title: Therapeutic effect of ghrelin in the course of ischemia/reperfusion-induced acute pancreatitis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Protective effect of pretreatment with ghrelin against different forms of acute pancreatitis (AP) has been recently reported. Moreover, the healing properties of this peptide have been proved in AP evoked by cerulein. However, no studies have investigated whether the administration of ghrelin affects the course of ischemia/reperfusion-induced AP.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of ghrelin therapy on the course of necrotizing inflammation of the pancreas and to test its impact on peroxidation of lipids and antioxidant defense system in the acutely inflamed pancreas.
  
  
  METHODS
  Acute inflammation of the pancreas was triggered by pancreatic ischemia which was then followed by reperfusion of the gland. Ghrelin (8 nmol/kg/dose) was administered to intraperitoneally twice daily, 24h after the initiation of AP. The impact of ghrelin on the course of necrotizing pancreatitis was evaluated between 1 and 21 days, and involved histological, functional, and biochemical analyses.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Treatment with ghrelin ameliorated morphological signs of pancreatic damage including edema, acinar cells vacuolization, hemorrhages, acinar necrosis, leukocytic infiltration of the gland, and led to its earlier regeneration. These effects were accompanied by an improvement in pancreatic blood flow, enhanced DNA synthesis, reduced serum level of pro- inflammatory interleukin-1β, decreased levels of malondialdehyde and an enhanced superoxide dismutase activity in pancreatic tissue.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ghrelin exerts a pronounced therapeutic effect against ischemia-reperfusion-induced pancreatitis. The mechanisms involved are likely multifactorial and are mediated by its anti-inflammatory, as well as anti-oxidative properties.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bukowczan
authors.forename: Z
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Warzecha
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ceranowicz
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kusnierz-Cabala
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Tomaszewska
authors.affiliation: Department of Endocrinology, Elliott Building, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Queen Victoria Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP UK. jakubbukowczan@gmail.com.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dembinski
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000818:Animals; D054439:Ghrelin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000209:etiology*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D015427:Reperfusion Injury / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000201:enzymology; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D054439:Ghrelin; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase