Expression of tumor necrosis factor-α in rats with severe acute pancreatitis complicated with acute renal injury

Objective To explore the expression changes of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α mRNA in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) complicated with acute renal injury (ARI) and the mechanisms.Methods Thirty-two healthy SD rats were randomly divided into two groups:sham operation group (n =16),and pancreatitis model group (n =16).In sham operation group,the rats were subjected to abdomen opening and intestinal canal tipping only.In pancreatitis model group,the model of SAP was induced by retrograde injection of 3％ sodium taurocholate into biliopancreatic duct,and rats were sacrificed at 12 and 24 h after modeling.The concentrations of serum amylase,serum urea nitrogen,creatinine,and the expression of TNF-α mRNA in renal tissues were detected.Pathologic changes in the kidney and pancreas were observed under a light microscope.Results The concentrations of serum amylase (1046.45 ±453.37,1916.50 ± 461.91),serum urea nitrogen (23.49 ± 3.12,39.79 ± 3.51),creatinine (171.38 ±43.26,216.25 ± 21.76) and the expression of TNF-α mRNA in the renal tissues were significantly higher in pancreatitis group than in sham operation group.Pathological lesions in the liver and kidney were deteriorated,and ascite and saponification were increased in pancreatitis group.No abnormal changes were found in sham operation group.Conclusion The expression of TNF-α mRNA in the renal tissues was significantly up-regulated in SD rats with SAP,suggesting the vital roles of TNF-α in the renal tissues in the pathogenesis of SAP complicated with ARI. Key words: Acute pancreatitis;  Acute renal injury;  Tumor necrosis factor-α