Effect of pioglitazone on PPARγ mRNA expression in rats with acute necrotizing pancreatitis

Objective To observe the effect of pioglitazone on peroxisome proliferators activated receptors (PPARγ) mRNA expression in rats with acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP). Methods 54 rats were randomly divided into sham group, ANP group, and pioglitazone group. ANP was induced by the retrograde injection of sodium taurocholate into pancreatic duct. The levels of serum amylase at 3 h, 6 h, and 12 h after ANP induction were determined and pancreatic pathological scores were measured, and the expression of pancreatic PPARγ mRNA was determined by RT-PCR. Results The levels of serum amylase and pancreatic pathological scores at 6 h in ANP group were (7171 ± 1636) U/L and 13.00 ±2.36; which were significantly higher than those in sham group [ (523 ± 166)U/L and 1.67 ± 234, P 0. 05). The levels of serum amylase and pancreatic pathological scores at 6 h in pioglitazone group were (4504 ± 1901 )U/L and 9.00 ±0.89, which were significantly lower than those in ANP group (P <0. 05).While the expressions of PPARγ mRNA was higher than that in ANP group (0.56 ±0.05 vs 0. 18 ±0.05, P <0.05). Conclusions The protective role of pioglitazone on ANP rats was closely correlated with up-regulation of PPARγgene expression. Key words: Pancreatitis,acute necrotizing; Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors; Pioglitazone