The role of nuclear factor-kappa B in the pathogenesis of severe acute pancreatitis-associated hepatic injury

Objective To investigate the role of NF κB (nuclear factor kappa B) in the pathogenesis of severe acute pancreatitis associated hepatic injury. Methods Thirty eight feamle Wistar rats were divided into SAP group and PDTC pretreated group and normal group. Pancreatitis was induced by intraductal administration of 5% sodium taurocholate. Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) pretreated SAP rats were given 100 mg/kg PDTC intraperioneally before pancreatitis was induced. Rats in SAP group and PDTC pretreated group were killed 3, 6, 12 hours after induction of the model. We detected the blood AST, and observed the liver tissue stained by H E, and the NF κB activity in liver tissue was detected by immunohistochemical methods. The mRNA expression of TNF α、IL 6、ICAM 1 in the liver was evaluated by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.Results The liver tissue stained by H E in SAP group had little change, there was no liver cells necrosis or apoptosis. Blood AST increased significantly in SAP group comparing with the normal group. The activity of NF κB and the levels of TNF α、IL 6 increased significantly in liver tissue of the SAP group, but there was no change in ICAM 1mRNA. PDTC was found to decrease the levels of AST, TNF α、IL 6 and NF κB activity in liver tissue. Conclusion Hepatic injury is present in SAP, which is caused by upregulation of TNF α, IL 6 mRNA expression induced by NF κB, it is possible that inhibition of NF κB activity may be a promising strategy in the treatment of SAP by downregulating the above cytokines.