The Role of IL-6, 8, and 10, sTNFr, CRP, and Pancreatic Elastase in the Prediction of Systemic Complications in Patients with Acute Pancreatitis. Gastroenterol Res Pract. 2013;2013:282645. [PMID: 23476635 PMCID: PMC3583135 DOI: 10.1155/2013/282645]

Diagnostic and prognostic value of miR-146b-5p in acute pancreatitis

OBJECTIVE

MicroRNAs hold great potential as biomarkers for assessing the progression of acute pancreatitis (AP). This study aimed to explore the value of miR-146b-5p in the diagnosis and prognosis of AP patients.

METHODS

110 AP patients were included and divided into 40 severe AP (SAP) patients and 70 non-SAP patients based on disease severity. Serum miR-146b-5p levels were measured using RT-qPCR. The diagnostic value of miR-146b-5p was evaluated utilizing ROC curves. Pearson correlation coefficient was employed to analyze the correlations between APACHEII, BISAP, and MCTSI scores and miR-146b-5p levels. The AP cell model was constructed by treating AR42J cells with deoxycholic acid (DCA), the proliferative capacity of cells was measured with CCK-8, apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry, and IL-6 and IL-8 protein levels were analyzed by ELISA.

RESULTS

Serum miR-146b-5p levels were decreased in SAP and unfavorable patients. Serum miR-146b-5p was able to effectively differentiate between SAP and non-SAP patients, and also effectively differentiate between unfavorable and favorable patients. MiR-146b-5p levels were significantly negatively correlated with APACHEII score (r=-0.6676), BISAP score (r=-0.5696), and MCTSI score (r=-0.5857). Furthermore, in the AP cell model, miR-146b-5p expression was down-regulated, proliferative capacity was diminished, apoptosis was increased, and IL-6 and IL-8 levels were elevated, but overexpression of miR-146b-5p partially reversed these changes.

CONCLUSION

miR-146b-5p expression is down-regulated in the serum of SAP patients and cells, and it has a good diagnostic effect. It may be a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for AP.

Correlation of hyperglycemia and balthazar classification in patients with acute pancreatitis

Objective

High levels of glucose during acute pancreatitis (AP) progression influence disease progression by promoting the release of inflammatory cytokines. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of both the blood glucose level in patients without diabetes mellitus (DM) and the presence of DM on the severity and course of AP in patients presenting with clinical AP.

Methods

The study included 343 patients who were hospitalized at Van Training and Research Hospital, Turkey and followed up with the diagnosis of AP between 2014 and 2018. The patients were separated into two groups as diabetic and non-diabetic. The relationship between DM and the severity and course of AP was examined in the two groups.

Results

The DM group included 52 (15.1%) patients, and the non- DM group included 291 (84.9%) patients. In the non-DM group, the serum glucose level was <125 mg/dl in 160 (54.9 %) patients, and >125 mg/dl in 131 (45.1 %) patients. In the comparison of AP severity in the diabetic and non-diabetic groups, the rate of severe AP was determined to be significantly higher in the diabetic group according to the Modified Balthazar classification, evaluated from tomographies taken on admission and on the 3rd day (p:0.026, p:0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

Elevated blood glucose is relatively common in patients with AP and has a negative impact on the disease process. A high glucose level can increase the severity of AP and slow healing.

Role of Interleukin 6 in Acute Pancreatitis: A Possible Marker for Disease Prognosis

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a significant cause of morbidity, even in children, and is frequently associated with systemic manifestations. There are many cytokines involved in the inflammatory response characteristic of this disease. Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is one of the most important cytokines involved in AP, beginning from cellular injury and continuing to the systemic inflammatory response and distant organ involvement. IL-6 is a multifunctional cytokine that regulates acute-phase response and inflammation. It is produced by various cells and exerts its biological role on many cells through its high-affinity complex receptor. IL-6 has been investigated as a predicting maker for severe forms of AP. Many studies have validated the use of IL-6 serum levels in the first 48 h as a reliable marker for severe evolution and multisystemic involvement. Still, it has not been used in daily practice until now. This review discusses the main binding mechanisms by which IL-6 triggers cellular response and the AP pathogenetic mechanisms in which IL-6 is involved. We then emphasize the promising role of IL-6 as a prognostic marker, which could be added as a routine marker at admission in children with AP.

Toll-like receptor 4 in pancreatic damage and immune infiltration in acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is a complex inflammatory disease resulting in extreme pain and can result in significant morbidity and mortality. It can be caused by several factors ranging from genetics, alcohol use, gall stones, and ductal obstruction caused by calcification or neutrophil extracellular traps. Acute pancreatitis is also characterized by immune cell infiltration of neutrophils and M1 macrophages. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is a pattern recognition receptor that has been noted to respond to endogenous ligands such as high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein and or exogenous ligands such as lipopolysaccharide both of which can be present during the progression of acute pancreatitis. This receptor can be found on a variety of cell types from endothelial cells to resident and infiltrating immune cells leading to production of pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as immune cell activation and maturation resulting in the furthering of pancreatic damage during acute pancreatitis. In this review we will address the various mechanisms mediated by TLR4 in the advancement of acute pancreatitis and how targeting this receptor could lead to improved outcomes for patients suffering from this condition.

The role of predictive and prognostic values of inflammatory markers in acute pancreatitis: a narrative review

Pancreatitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the pancreas and is classified into 2 types, acute and chronic, which can manifest in various forms. This review article summarizes the role of predictive and prognostic values of inflammatory markers in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis, mainly focused on preclinical and clinical studies. It includes serum amyloid A (SAA), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), IL-10, myeloperoxidase, pentraxin 3, and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1. SAA3 plays a crucial role in developing acute pancreatitis by triggering a receptor-interacting protein 3–dependent necroptosis pathway in acinar cells. Targeting SAA3 could be a potential strategy for treating acute pancreatitis. The recruitment of monocytes/macrophages and the activation of the systemic MCP-1 signaling pathway play a role in the progression of pancreatitis, and blocking MCP-1 may have a suppressive effect on the development of pancreatic fibrosis. The ESR can predict severe acute pancreatitis with slightly lower accuracy than CRP. When ESR and CRP levels are combined at 24 hours, they predict severe acute pancreatitis accurately. IL-6 plays a crucial role in activating the Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of the transcription pathway, exacerbating pancreatitis and contributing to the initiation and progression of pancreatic cancer. Endogenous IL-10 plays a crucial role in controlling the regenerative phase and limiting the severity of fibrosis and glandular atrophy induced by repeated episodes of acute pancreatitis in mice. The predictive and diagnostic roles of these inflammatory factors in pancreatitis were introduced in detail in this review.

Interleukins: pathophysiological role in acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common inflammatory state characterized by a clinical course that can lead to serious local and extrapancreatic organ malfunction and failure. Interleukins (ILs) are biologically active glycoproteins primarily produced by macrophages and lymphocytes. According to the literature, there are many ILs. However, this article represents a summary of the role of ILs in AP, such as IL-1, IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-9, IL-10, IL-11, IL-12, IL-13, IL-14, IL-15, IL-16, IL-17, IL-18, IL-19, and IL-20. The ways to modulate IL activity to reduce inflammation and improve outcomes in individuals with this condition are under investigation. Drugs that target specific ILs might be developed to mitigate the effects of AP.

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) Essential Oil and Its Constituents Prevent Rat Kidney Tissue Injury and Inflammation Induced by a High Dose of L-Arginine

This study aimed to evaluate the protective action of oregano (Origanum vulgare) essential oil and its monoterpene constituents (thymol and carvacrol) in L-arginine-induced kidney damage by studying inflammatory and tissue damage parameters. The determination of biochemical markers that reflect kidney function, i.e., serum levels of urea and creatinine, tissue levels of neutrophil-gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), as well as a panel of oxidative-stress-related and inflammatory biomarkers, was performed. Furthermore, histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses of kidneys obtained from different experimental groups were conducted. Pre-treatment with the investigated compounds prevented an L-arginine-induced increase in serum and tissue kidney damage markers and, additionally, decreased the levels of inflammation-related parameters (TNF-α and nitric oxide concentrations and myeloperoxidase activity). Micromorphological kidney tissue changes correlate with the alterations observed in the biochemical parameters, as well as the expression of CD95 in tubule cells and CD68 in inflammatory infiltrate cells. The present results revealed that oregano essential oil, thymol, and carvacrol exert nephroprotective activity, which could be, to a great extent, associated with their anti-inflammatory, antiradical scavenging, and antiapoptotic action and, above all, due to their ability to lessen the disturbances arising from acute pancreatic damage. Further in-depth studies are needed in order to provide more detailed explanations of the observed activities.

Clinical value of BISAP score combined with CRP and NLR in evaluating the severity of acute pancreatitis

To investigate the clinical value of bedside index for severity in acute pancreatitis (BISAP) score combined with serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in predicting the severity of early acute pancreatitis. A total of 113 patients with acute pancreatitis admitted to the Department of Gastroenterology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University from September 2019 to September 2022 were retrospectively collected and divided into mild acute pancreatitis group (51 cases), moderately severe acute pancreatitis group (32 cases) and severe acute pancreatitis group (30 cases) according to the severity of the disease. The general clinical data, laboratory test indicators, and imaging data within 72 hours were collected and compared among the 3 groups. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of BISAP score, BISAP combined with CRP, BISAP combined with NLR, and BISAP combined with CRP and NLR in predicting the severity of acute pancreatitis were analyzed by receiver operating characteristic curve. 1. BISAP score (0.9608 ± 0.1119, 1.688 ± 0.1225, 2.6 ± 0.1135), CRP (74.77 ± 8.336, 142.9 ± 11.44, 187.6 ± 13.04), and NLR (8.063 ± 0.7781, 13.69 ± 1.023, 18.06 ± 1.685) increased sequentially in mild acute pancreatitis group, moderately severe acute pancreatitis group, and severe acute pancreatitis group, and the differences in BISAP score, CRP and NLR among the 3 groups were statistically significant (P < .05). BISAP score was positively correlated with CRP and NLR (R = 0.5062, 0.5247, P < .05). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of BISAP score, CRP, NLR, BISAP combined with NLR, and BISAP combined with CRP in predicting the severity of acute pancreatitis were 0.885, 0.814, 0.714, 0.953, respectively. The specificity and sensitivity of combined diagnosis were higher than those of BISAP score or CRP and NLR alone. BISAP score combined with CRP and NLR can effectively evaluate the severity of acute pancreatitis, and their combination has a higher predictive value for early severity assessment.

Course of Acute Pancreatitis Patients with Renal Failure According to Balthazar Classification

Background and Aim

There are criteria that include many organ systems to predict the prognosis in acute pancreatitis (AP) patients. In this study, we aimed to show how the course of the disease changes according to the Balthazar classification in AP patients presenting with renal failure.

Methods and Materials

Our study included 352 patients who were admitted to the Emergency Service of our hospital and were diagnosed and hospitalized with AP. According to the Balthazar score, patients with scores of 0-2, 4-6, and 8-10 were evaluated as mild, moderate, and severe AP, respectively. Demographic data (age, gender) of all patients were documented. The etiology of AP was determined in all patients. Biliary, drug/toxic, alcohol, infections, hyperlipidemia, post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), genetics, hypercalcemia, structural anomalies, and malignancy were evaluated as the etiology. Those without any underlying pathology were evaluated as idiopathic AP. The patients were divided into two groups as those with and without renal insufficiency. All patients underwent helical computed tomography (section 64, Aquilion; Toshiba Medical Systems, Tokyo) within the first 12 hours and between days 3 and 7. Pancreas, peripancreatic and extrapancreatic findings, and complications were examined. "The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 19.0 (SPSS Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.)" was used for all analyses. Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and histograms were used to determine whether there was a normal distribution. The non-parametric data of the groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test and the parametric data using the ındependent t test. Chi-square test was used to test categorical data. Cases with P < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

: While 22 (6.2%) patients had renal insufficiency, 332 (95.8%) patients did not have renal insufficiency. In the evaluation made in terms of AP severity; according to Balthazar classification at admission, there was no difference in mild and moderate pancreatitis for kidney insufficiency in both groups, but it was significantly higher in the group with severe pancreatitis [2 (9.1%) versus 1 (0.3%), P < 0.001]. In the evaluation made after 72 hours; renal failure was significantly lower in the group with mild pancreatitis [11 (50.0%) versus 245 (73.8%), P: 0.016] and severe renal failure was significantly higher in severe pancreatitis [7 (31.8%) versus 13 (%) 3.9), P < 0.001].

Conclusions

Early intensive care unit admission and close follow-up and early treatment in AP patients change the course of the disease. In our study, we showed that serum creatinine level is an important parameter in the course of AP and has a predictive value for the course of the disease.

Serum soluble T cell immunoglobulin mucin domain-3 as an early predictive marker for severity of acute pancreatitis; a retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND

Early prediction of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) plays an important role in timely treatment decisions. Soluble T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-3 (sTIM-3) has been applied as a potential biomarker for the prediction of many diseases, while its predictive ability for AP severity remains largely unexplored. In this study, we aimed to identify whether serum sTIM-3 could be used as an indicator of AP severity in the early stage of the disease.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted. The enrolled AP patients should meet the 2012 Atlanta guideline and have an onset to admission ≤ 48 h.

RESULTS

A total of 94 AP patients were enrolled in the current analysis, including 42 (45%), 35 (37%), and 17 (18%) patients were diagnosed as mild AP (MAP), moderately SAP (MSAP), and SAP, respectively. SAP patients had significantly higher the white blood cells (WBCs) count, red blood cells (RBCs) count, C-reactive protein (CRP) level, direct bilirubin level, creatinine and procalcitonin levels compared with MAP and MSAP patients. Among SAP and MSAP patients, significantly higher APACHE II, BISAP, and MCTSI scores were observed compared with MAP patients, and there was significant difference in APACHE II and BISAP scores between SAP and MSAP patients. Stepwise multivariate linear regression analysis showed that the concentrations of serum sTIM-3, as well as the BISAP and MCTSI scores, were significantly associated with the severity of AP. The areas under the ROC curve were 0.914 (95% CI, 0.865-0.963), 0.855 (95%CI, 0.742-0.968) 0.853 (95%CI, 0.768-0.938), and 0.746 (95%CI, 0.633-0.860) for BISAP score, APACHE II score, sTIM-3 level, and MCTSI score, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum sTIM-3 might be ultimately incorporated into a predictive system for assessing the severity of AP.

Is there a correlation between the initial calcium level and Balthazar classification in patients with acute pancreatitis?

BACKGROUND

While a life-threatening course is observed in 2-3% of patients with acute pancreatitis (AP), mortality can be up to 50% in severe AP. In our study, we research relationship between calcium level and Modified Balthazar (MB) score.

METHODS

354 patients who were followed up with a diagnosis of AP between 2013 and 2019 were included in our study. Serum calcium level was measured within the first 24 h. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) was performed in all patients in the first 12 h and between 3 and 7 days. The severity of AP was determined according to the MB classification. The correlation between calcium level and MB classification was examined.

RESULTS

206 (58.2%) of the patients were women. Mean age was 54.8±17.9 years (range: 18-100). It was observed that the rate of severe AP was significantly higher in the low calcium group compared to the MB classification in which tomographies taken at ad-mission and 72 h after were evaluated (p<0.05). Furthermore, progression was higher in low calcium group (p<0.05). The cutoff value was 9.35 mg/dl for the ROC analysis performed to distinguish mild pancreatitis from moderate-severe pancreatitis according to the MB classification performed by CT obtained after 72 h based on the Ca values. For the cutoff value of 9.35 mg/dl (AUC: 0.581, p=0.018, 95% Cl: 0.514-0.649), the sensitivity was 57.4% and the specificity was 53.1%.

CONCLUSION

Since there is a correlation between the initial calcium level and the severity of the disease according to the CT-scan obtained later, the calcium level gives us an idea of the course of the disease.

Application of nanotechnology in the diagnosis and treatment of acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common digestive system disease. The severity of AP ranges from mild edema in the pancreas to severe systemic inflammatory responses leading to peripancreatic/pancreatic necrosis, multi-organ failure and death. Improving the sensitivity of AP diagnosis and developing alternatives to traditional methods to treat AP have gained the attention of researchers. With the continuous rise of nanotechnology, it is being widely used in daily life, biomedicine, chemical energy and many other fields. Studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of nanotechnology in the diagnosis and treatment of AP. Nanotechnology has the advantages of simplicity, rapidity and sensitivity in detecting biomarkers of AP, as well as enhancing imaging, which helps in the early diagnosis of AP. On the other hand, nanoparticles (NPs) have oxidative stress inhibiting and anti-inflammatory effects, and can also be loaded with drugs as well as being used in anti-infection therapy, providing a new approach for the treatment of AP. In this article, we elaborate and summarize on the potential of nanoparticles for diagnostic and therapeutic applications in AP from the current reported literature and experimental results to provide useful guidelines for further research on the application of nanotechnology.

Blood Urea Nitrogen as a Prognostic Marker in Severe Acute Pancreatitis

Objectives

To explore independent risk factors with good and early predictive power for SAP severity and prognosis.

Methods

Patients with SAP were enrolled at Central South University Xiangya Hospital between April 2017 and May 2021 and used as the training cohort. From June 2021 to February 2022, all patients with SAP were defined as external patients for validation. Patients were grouped by survival status at a 30-day posthospital admission and then compared in terms of basic information and laboratory tests to screen the independent risk factors.

Results

A total of 249 patients with SAP were enrolled in the training cohort. The all-cause mortality rate at a 30-day postadmission was 25.8% (51/198). Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were significantly higher in the mortality group (20.45 [interquartile range (IQR), 19.7] mmol/L) than in the survival group (6.685 [IQR, 6.3] mmol/L; P < 0.001). After propensity score matching (PSM), the BUN level was still higher in the mortality group than in the survival group (18.415 [IQR, 19.555] mmol/L vs. 10.63 [IQR, 6.03] mmol/L; P = 0.005). The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) of BUN was 0.820 (95% confidence interval, 0.721–0.870; P < 0.001). The optimal BUN level cut-off for predicting a 30-day all-cause mortality was 10.745 mmol/L. Moreover, patients with SAP were grouped according to BUN levels and stratified according to optimal cut-off value. Patients with high BNU levels were associated with significantly higher rates of invasive mechanical ventilation (before PSM: 61.8% vs. 20.6%, P < 0.001; after PSM: 71.1% vs. 32%, P = 0.048) and a 30-day all-cause mortality (before PSM: 44.9% vs. 6.9%, P < 0.001; after PSM: 60% vs. 34.5%, P = 0.032) than those with low BNU levels before or after PSM. The effectiveness of BUN as a prognostic marker was further validated using ROC curves for the external validation set (n = 49). The AUC of BUN was 0.803 (95% CI, 0.655–0.950; P = 0.011). It showed a good ability to predict a 30-day all-cause mortality in patients with SAP. We also observed similar results regarding disease severity, including the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score (before PSM: 16 [IQR, 8] vs. 8 [IQR, 6], P < 0.001; after PSM: 18 [IQR, 10] vs. 12 [IQR, 7], P < 0.001), SOFA score (before PSM: 7 [IQR, 5] vs. 3 [IQR, 3], P < 0.001; after PSM: 8 [IQR, 5] vs. 5 [IQR, 3.5], P < 0.001), and mMarshall score (before PSM: 4 [IQR, 3] vs. 3 [IQR, 1], P < 0.001; after PSM: 5 [IQR, 2.5] vs. 3 [IQR, 1], P < 0.001). There was significant increase in intensive care unit occupancy in the high BUN level group before PSM (93.3% vs. 73.1%, P < 0.001), but not after PSM (97.8% vs. 86.2%, P = 0.074).

Conclusions

Our results showed that BUN levels within 24 h after hospital admission were independent risk factors for a 30-day all-cause death in patients with SAP.

Association of Genetic Variants in IL6 Gene (rs1800795) with the Concentration of Inflammatory Markers (IL-6, hs-CRP) and Superoxide Dismutase in the Blood of Patients with Acute Pancreatitis—Preliminary Findings

In the course of acute pancreatitis, interleukin-6 plays an important role as a mediator in the inflammatory response. The course of inflammatory disease is associated with intensive oxidative stress, which may activate transcription factors leading to gene-expression changes. Isoenzymes of superoxide dismutase are involved in the defense against free radicals. This study aimed to evaluate changes in IL-6 concentration and the concentration/activity of superoxide dismutase isoenzymes (SOD1, SOD2, and SOD3) in the blood of patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) in terms of rs1800795 polymorphism in the IL6 gene. In the smoking AP patients group with the GC and GG genotypes, the plasma SOD1 concentration was significantly higher (p = 0.0146 and p = 0.0250, respectively) than in patients with CC genotype for SNP rs1800795 in the IL6 gene. An increase in SOD1 concentration in erythrocytes of AP patients with GC genotypes was also demonstrated compared to the individuals from the group with GG genotype (p = 0.0408). Furthermore, a positive correlation between IL-6 and SOD1 concentrations in the plasma of AP patients with GC genotype for SNP rs1800795 was shown. These results indicate that SOD1 may play a protective role against oxidative damage induced by inflammation in the group of AP patients with GC genotype.

Comparison of the Efficacy of Balthazar Score and C-Reactive Protein-Albumin Ratio for Determination of Acute Pancreatitis Severity

Acute pancreatitis (AP) clinic has a wide spectrum ranging from asymptomatic cases to mortality. Early diagnosis and prediction are of great importance to prevent mortality in AP patients. Many prognostic scoring systems have been developed for AP to date. At the time of the initial assessment of attendance to the emergency department (ED), it is impractical to use existing prognostic scoring systems for patients with a diagnosis of AP in most patients. The prognostic performances of radiological and clinical scoring systems of 329 patients diagnosed with acute pancreatitis were compared in terms of C-reactive protein-albumin ratio (CAR) levels, mortality and severity according to Balthazar score. It was observed that the CAR value increased as the AP severity increased. For mortality estimation, the ROC curve was used for sensitivity, specificity, and cut-off values for each scoring system for CAR. When mild pancreatitis and severe pancreatitis were compared according to Balthazar score, the differences between CAR were statistically significant and positive correlations were present. The CAR value has been shown to be a useful clinical tool that can be used with its high predictive value. CAR has the advantages of being easily accessible, inexpensive, and having moderately high diagnostic power to predict AP severity.

C-Reactive Protein as a Predictor of Complicated Acute Pancreatitis: Reality or a Myth?

Introduction C-reactive protein (CRP) has been reported as a predictor of the severity of acute pancreatitis (AP). However, there is conflicting evidence in the literature. The proposed cut-off values and intervals for best prediction include an absolute value of 150 at 48 hours; an absolute value of 190 at 48 hours; and the interval change in CRP of 90 at 48 hours. The current study assesses the value of CRP at different intervals and cut-offs in predicting complicated acute pancreatitis (CAP) and compares its performance against other available predictors like neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR); Glasgow scoring system and modified CT severity index (MCTSI).  Methods Analysis of prospectively maintained data for index episodes of acute pancreatitis managed in 225 patients over a period of five years (2014-2018) was done. CAP was defined by using revised Atlanta classification and included all the AP patients with local and or systemic complications. It was used as a gold standard. Diagnostic and predictive performance of different biochemical markers and multifactorial scoring systems were determined by analyzing receiving operating curves (ROCs), the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values (positive and negative).  Results Out of 225 patients, 122 were female while 103 patients were male. CAP developed in 47 patients (20.9%) while 178 (79.1%) patients had mild AP. Overall, in-hospital mortality rate was 1.8% (n=4). ROC analysis demonstrated that CRP at admission had low discriminatory value (AUC= 0.54, p-value=0.74). CRP at 48 hours had AUC of 0.70 (p-value=0.007). At a cut-off of 150, the positive predictive value (PPV) of 150 was 30 %. The PPV of CRP at 48 hours at a cut-off of 190 was 28%. Interval change in CRP at 48 hours greater than 90 had a PPV of 26 %. Further comparison of CRP with other scoring systems like Glasgow scoring system (AUC= 0.65), NL ratio (AUC=0.54), and MCTSI was performed. Among the single predictors, although, NL ratio showed good sensitivity at a cut-off value of 4.7 (87.23%), however, its discriminatory power was negligible (AUC=0.542, p-value=0.513). The overall best performance was achieved by the MCTSI scoring system at a cut-off of 3 (AUC=0.90, sensitivity=83.33 %, specificity=100%, diagnostic accuracy=94.49%).  Conclusion CRP measured at admission or at 48 hours has a very limited role in the prediction of CAP. Along with other scoring systems, its negative predictive value should be used to predict cases with mild AP which can help in clinical decision making for early discharge or management of such patients on ambulatory care basis. MCTSI scoring system can be used in cases with high suspicion of CAP.

Investigating the Factors Affecting the Development of Biliary Pancreatitis and Their Relationship with the Type and Severity of Complications

BACKGROUND Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreatic tissue. Gallstones are known to be the most common cause of acute pancreatitis, especially in eastern countries, including Iran. Pancreatitis, in its course, can cause complications for the patient. Different systems have been identified as predictors of the severity of acute pancreatitis. As a result, we decided to examine the factors influencing the severity of biliary pancreatitis and their relationship with the complications in Iranian society. METHODS The present study is a cross-sectional, analytical study that was performed retrospectively on 160 patients with biliary pancreatitis. The main and dependent variable in this study is the severity of pancreatitis, which is divided into two groups of complications (local complications and systemic complications) and without complications. The necessary information was extracted from the patients' files and evaluated with SPSS software version 22. RESULTS Based on the results of single-variable analysis, there was a significant relationship between the patient's age, sex, Ranson and CRP criteria, and complication of the disease. In the univariate analysis, no significant statistical relationship was found between patients' BMI(Body Mass Index), CBD (common bile duct) size, serum alkaline phosphatase level, gallstone size, and FBS(Fasting blood sugar), and the complications of the disease, based on the multivariate analysis results. CONCLUSION The results of this study showed that four variables of the female sex, stone size, CRP, and high score of Ranson criteria act as independent risk factors in the development of complicating biliary pancreatitis.

Leukocyte cell population data from the blood cell analyzer as a predictive marker for severity of acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

The prediction for severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is the key to give timely targeted treatment. Leukocyte cell population data (CPD) have been widely applied in early prediction and diagnosis of many diseases, but their predictive ability for SAP remains unexplored. We aim to testify whether CPD could be an indicator of AP severity in the early stage of the disease.

METHODS

The prospective observational study was conducted in the emergency department ward of a territory hospital in Shanghai. The enrolled AP patients should meet 2012 Atlanta guideline.

RESULTS

Totally, 103 AP patients and 62 healthy controls were enrolled and patients were classified into mild AP (n = 30), moderate SAP (n = 42), and SAP (n = 31). Forty-two CPD parameters were examined in first 3 days of admission. Four CPD parameters were highest in SAP on admission and were constantly different among 3 groups during first 3 days of hospital stay. Eighteen CPD parameters were found correlated with the occurrence of SAP. Stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis identified a scoring system of 4 parameters (SD_LALS_NE, MN_LALS_LY, SD_LMALS_MO, and SD_AL2_MO) with a sensitivity of 96.8%, specificity of 65.3%, and AUC of 0.87 for diagnostic accuracy on early identification of SAP. AUC of this scoring system was comparable with MCTSI, SOFA, APACHE II, MMS, BISAP, or biomarkers as CRP, PCT, and WBC in prediction of SAP and ICU transfer or death.

CONCLUSIONS

Several leukocyte CPD parameters have been identified different among MAP, MSAP, and SAP. They might be ultimately incorporated into a predictive system marker for severity of AP.

Clinical Characteristics and Early Prognostic Factors of Severe Acute Pancreatitis

Objectives: To analyze the clinical characteristics of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) patients retrospectively and explore the effective factors in death from severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). Methods: The required data were collected from 234 SAP patients admitted to our department from January 2013 to December 2020 and then analyzed retrospectively. According to the prognosis, all patients were admitted within 72 hours of onset and were assigned to the death and survival groups. The participants’ clinical and demographic information, laboratory indices when patients were brought to the intensive care unit (ICU), and organ failure were analyzed using univariate and logistic multivariate regression. The logistic regression (LR) model was developed and evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: In this study, the total mortality rate was 11.96% (95% CI, 8.1 - 16.8%). The univariate analysis revealed a significant relationship between SAP-related death with age, ICU admission within 24 hours of onset, APACHE II score, serum amylase, serum albumin, PaO2, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), renal insufficiency, and other diseases (P < 0.05). The multivariate logistic regression analysis further demonstrated that ICU admission within 24 hours of onset, serum albumin, ARDS, and renal insufficiency were independent early prognostic factors of SAP (P < 0.05). LR model: Y = -0.108 - 1.852 × ICU admission within 24 hours of onset -0.102 × serum albumin + 1.790 × ARDS + 1.150 × renal insufficiency. The area under the curve (AUC) and 95% CI of the LR model were 0.864 (0.811 - 0.917) with the optimal threshold of 2.246. The sensitivity and specificity were 0.709 and 0.929, respectively. Conclusions: The SAP patients or acute pancreatitis (AP) patients at risk of developing SAP should be transferred to ICU at the earliest convenience. Moreover, hypoalbuminemia, ARDS, and renal insufficiency indicate poor prognosis.

Auxora for the Treatment of Patients With Acute Pancreatitis and Accompanying Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome: Clinical Development of a Calcium Release-Activated Calcium Channel Inhibitor

OBJECTIVES

To assess the safety of Auxora in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP), systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), and hypoxemia, and identify efficacy endpoints to prospectively test in future studies.

METHODS

This phase 2, open-label, dose-response study randomized patients with AP, accompanying SIRS, and hypoxemia (n = 21) to receive low-dose or high-dose Auxora plus standard of care (SOC) or SOC alone. All patients received pancreatic contrast-enhanced computed tomography scans at screenings, day 5/discharge, and as clinically required 90 days postrandomization; scans were blinded and centrally read to determine AP severity using computed tomography severity index. Solid food tolerance was assessed at every meal and SIRS every 12 hours.

RESULTS

The number of patients experiencing serious adverse events was not increased with Auxora versus SOC alone. Three (36.5%) patients with moderate AP receiving low-dose Auxora improved to mild AP; no computed tomography severity index improvements were observed with SOC. By study end, patients receiving Auxora better tolerated solid foods, had less persistent SIRS, and had reduced hospitalization versus SOC.

CONCLUSIONS

The favorable safety profile and patient outcomes suggest Auxora may be an appropriate early treatment for patients with AP and SIRS. Clinical development will continue in a randomized, controlled, blinded, dose-ranging study.

Comparison of MPL-ANN and PLS-DA models for predicting the severity of patients with acute pancreatitis: An exploratory study

OBJECTIVE

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common inflammatory disorder that may develop into severe AP (SAP), resulting in life-threatening complications and even death. The purpose of this study was to explore two different machine learning models of multilayer perception-artificial neural network (MPL-ANN) and partial least squares-discrimination (PLS-DA) to diagnose and predict AP patients' severity.

METHODS

The MPL-ANN and PLS-DA models were established using candidate markers from 15 blood routine parameters and five serum biochemical indexes of 133 mild acute pancreatitis (MAP) patients, 167 SAP (including 88 moderately SAP) patients, and 69 healthy controls (HCs). The independent parameters and combined model's diagnostic efficiency in AP severity differentiation were analyzed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).

RESULTS

The neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is the most useful marker in 20 parameters for screening AP patients [AUC = 0.990, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.984-0.997, sensitivity 94.3%, specificity 98.6%]. The MPL-ANN model based on six optimal parameters exhibited better diagnostic and predict performance (AUC = 0.984, 95% CI: 0.960-1.00, sensitivity 92.7%, specificity 93.3%, accuracy 93.0%) than the PLS-DA model based on five optimal parameters (AUC = 0.912, 95% CI: 0.853-0.971, sensitivity 87.8%, specificity 84.4%, accuracy 84.8%) in discriminating MAP patients from SAP patients.

CONCLUSION

The results demonstrated that the MPL-ANN model based on routine blood and serum biochemical indexes provides a reliable and straightforward daily clinical practice tool to predict AP patients' severity.

[Acute kidney injury following acute pancreatitis (AP-AKI): Definition, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis and Therapy]

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is the most frequent gastrointestinal cause for hospitalization and one of the leading causes of in-hospital deaths. Severe acute pancreatitis is often associated with multiorgan failure and especially with acute kidney injury (AKI). AKI can develop early or late in the course of the disease and is a strong determinator of outcome. The mortality in the case of dialysis-dependent AKI and acute pancreatitis raises exponentially in the affected patients. AP-induced AKI (AP-AKI) shows many similarities but also distinct differences to other causes of AKI occurring in the intensive care unit setting. The knowledge of the exact pathophysiology can help to adjust, control and improve therapeutic approaches to the disease. Unfortunately, there are only a few studies dealing with AP and AKI.In this review, we discuss recent data about pathogenesis, causes and management of AP-AKI in patients with severe acute pancreatitis and exploit in this regard the diagnostic and prognostic potential of respective newer serum and urine markers.

Natural history and profile of selective cytokines in patients of acute pancreatitis with acute kidney injury

OBJECTIVES

To study the natural course of patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) with acute kidney injury (AKI) and their cytokine profile.

METHODS

Natural course of patients with AP and AKI was studied in 97 individuals. Levels of TNFα, IL-6, IL-10, IL-8 and IL-1β were measured at presentation and at 72 h in patients who developed AKI.

RESULTS

Amongst the entire cohort, 16.4% patients developed AKI (persistent AKI - 11 patients, transient AKI - 5 patients). Mortality rate was 25% amongst patients with AKI. Levels of IL-6 (p = 0.035) and IL-8 (p = 0.002) were found to be significantly higher in the AKI group. On multivariate analysis, IL-8 levels at baseline were found to be an independent predictor of AKI. AKI group had significant rise of TNF-α (P < 0.001), IL-6 (P < 0.001) and IL- 1β (P < 0.001) on day 3 whereas persistent-AKI group had significant rise of TNF-α (p = 0.031), IL-6 (p = 0.001) and IL-1β on day 3 and significant decline of IL-10 (p = 0.015). Using a cut-off of 105 pg/ml, IL-8 levels at baseline could predict AKI with a sensitivity of 87.5% and specificity of 59.2%, with area under the curve being 0.744 (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

AP patients developing AKI have poor prognosis. IL-8 levels can predict AKI in patients with AP.

Coloclyster of Red Peony Root Granules Alleviates Moderately Severe Acute Pancreatitis: A Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial

The red peony root derived from Paeonia lactiflora has been applied to treat human inflammatory diseases. To investigate its therapeutic potential in treating moderately severe acute pancreatitis (MSAP), which has been rarely studied, this study was designed as a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial. A total of 60 MSAP patients were enrolled and randomly divided into an experimental (n = 30) group and a control group (n = 30), who received a coloclyster of 15 g of red peony root or placebo granules dissolved in 150 mL of water, respectively. The patients' demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded. The results showed that the experimental group had a shorter remission time of fever (p < 0.05) and abdominal pain (p < 0.01) and faster resumption of self-defecation (p < 0.01) than did the control group. In addition, the coloclyster of red peony root decreased the modified Balthazar CT score as well as the serum interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels to a greater extent than did the placebo coloclyster (p < 0.05). The remission times for the normalization of white blood cells and percentage of neutrophils and lymphocytes in the experimental group were also significantly shorter than those in the control group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, a coloclyster of red peony root could help alleviate the clinical symptoms and shorten the course of MSAP by possibly attenuating systematic inflammation. This trial is registered with 14004664.

Optimal dosing time of Dachengqi decoction for protection of extrapancreatic organs in rats with experimental acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a pancreatic inflammatory disorder that is commonly complicated by extrapancreatic organ dysfunction. Dachengqi decoction (DCQD) has a potential role in protecting the extrapancreatic organs, but the optimal oral administration time remains unclear.

AIM

To screen the appropriate oral administration time of DCQD for the protection of extrapancreatic organs based on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of AP rats.

METHODS

This study consisted of two parts. In the first part, 24 rats were divided into a sham-operated group and three model groups. The four groups were intragastrically administered with DCQD (10 g/kg) at 4 h, 4 h, 12 h, and 24 h postoperatively, respectively. Tail vein blood was taken at nine time points after administration, and then the rats were euthanized and the extrapancreatic organ tissues were immediately collected. Finally, the concentrations of the major DCQD components in all samples were detected. In the second part, 84 rats were divided into a sham-operated group, as well as 4 h, 12 h, and 24 h treatment groups and corresponding control groups (4 h, 12 h, and 24 h control groups). Rats in the treatment groups were intragastrically administered with DCQD (10 g/kg) at 4 h, 12 h, and 24 h postoperatively, respectively, and rats in the control groups were administered with normal saline at the same time points. Then, six rats from each group were euthanized at 4 h and 24 h after administration. Serum amylase and inflammatory mediators, and pathological scores of extrapancreatic organ tissues were evaluated.

RESULTS

For part one, the pharmacokinetic parameters (C max, T max, T 1/2, and AUC 0 → t) of the major DCQD components and the tissue distribution of most DCQD components were better when administering DCQD at the later (12 h and 24 h) time points. For part two, delayed administration of DCQD resulted in lower IL-6 and amylase levels and relatively higher IL-10 levels, and pathological injury of extrapancreatic organ tissues was slightly less at 4 h after administration, while the results were similar between the treatment and corresponding control groups at 24 h after administration.

CONCLUSION

Delayed administration of DCQD might reduce pancreatic exocrine secretions and ameliorate pathological injury in the extrapancreatic organs of AP rats, demonstrating that the late time is the optimal dosing time.

Effects and mechanism of the etanercept on pancreatic encephalopathy

Pancreatic encephalopathy (PE) is a common fatal complication of acute pancreatitis (AP). Proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‑α and interleukin (IL)‑6 are generated during AP, and act synergistically to promote PE and multisystem failure. Caerulein‑induced AP provides a convenient model to explore the role of proinflammatory cytokines in PE. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of the TNF‑α inhibitor etanercept in PE models and elucidate the regulatory mechanisms. To model PE in vitro, rat hippocampal H19‑7/IGF‑IR neuronal cells were treated with 10 nmol/ml caerulein alone or in combination with etanercept (1, 10 or 100 µmol/ml). To model PE in vivo, rats were injected with 50 µg/kg caerulein alone or combined with 10 mg/kg etanercept. At 6 h after administration, it was noted that etanercept downregulated expression of TNF‑α, IL‑1β and IL‑6 by negatively regulating NF‑κB (a master regulator of cytokine expression) signaling, and prevented the accumulation of reactive oxygen species. Conversely, etanercept promoted the expression of the neurotrophic and anti‑inflammatory hypoxia‑inducible factor 1 α (HIF‑1α). In rat hippocampus, etanercept also reduced the levels of TNF‑α, IL‑1β and IL‑6, upregulated HIF‑1α expression and inhibited the inflammatory response to reduce edema and neural necrosis. Together, these data suggested that etanercept could attenuate caerulein‑induced PE, at least in part via suppression of NF‑κB signaling and alleviation of oxidative stress.

Prevention of Severe Acute Pancreatitis With Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitors: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVES

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is still a big challenge. Accumulated data showed that overexpression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in acute pancreatitis and experimental pancreatitis could be attenuated with COX-2 inhibitors. This study was aimed to evaluate whether the occurrence of SAP could be prevented by selective COX-2 inhibitors.

METHODS

A total of 190 patients with predicted SAP were randomized into convention group or convention plus COX-2 inhibitors (C+COX-2-Is) group. Besides conventional treatment to all patients in 2 groups, parecoxib (40 mg/d intravenous injection for 3 days) and celecoxib (200 mg oral or tube feeding twice daily for 7 days) were sequentially administrated to the patients in the C+COX-2-Is group. The primary outcome was predefined as the occurrence of SAP. The serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) for all of the patients were measured.

RESULTS

The occurrence of SAP in the C+COX-2-Is group was decreased 47.08% compared with the convention group, 21.05% (20/95) vs 39.78% (37/93), P = 0.005. A reduction of late local complications was also shown in the C+COX-2-Is group, 18.95% (18/93) vs 34.41% (32/95), P = 0.016. The serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly lower in the C+COX-2-Is group than those in the convention group, P < 0.05. Parecoxib relieved abdominal pain more rapidly and decreased the consumption of meperidine. An incremental reduction of cost for 1% decrease of SAP occurrence was RMB475.

DISCUSSION

Sequential administration of parecoxib and celecoxib in patients with predicted SAP obtained about half-reduction of SAP occurrence through decreasing serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6. This regimen presented good cost-effectiveness.

Mitochondrial DNA Copy-Number Variation and Pancreatic Cancer Risk in the Prospective EPIC Cohort

BACKGROUND

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number in peripheral blood has been found to be associated with risk of developing several cancers. However, data on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are very limited.

METHODS

To further our knowledge on this topic, we measured relative mtDNA copy number by a quantitative real-time PCR assay in peripheral leukocyte samples of 476 PDAC cases and 357 controls nested within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort.

RESULTS

We observed lower mtDNA copy number with advancing age (P = 6.54 × 10-5) and with a high body mass index (BMI) level (P = 0.004) and no association with sex, smoking behavior, and alcohol consumption. We found an association between increased mtDNA copy number and decreased risk of developing PDAC with an odds ratios (OR) of 0.35 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.16-0.79; P = 0.01] when comparing the fifth quintile with the first using an unconditional logistic regression and an OR of 0.19 (95% CI, 0.07-0.52; P = 0.001) with a conditional analysis. Analyses stratified by BMI showed an association between high mtDNA copy number and decreased risk in the stratum of normal weight, consistent with the main analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest a protective effect of a higher number of mitochondria, measured in peripheral blood leukocytes, on PDAC risk.

IMPACT

Our findings highlight the importance of understanding the mitochondrial biology in pancreatic cancer.

Interleukins and inflammatory markers are useful in predicting the severity of acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a disease with significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive role of inflammatory markers, particularly interleukins (ILs), in the course of AP and to determine the frequency of etiologic factors of AP. We included patients with AP who were treated at our institution from May 1, 2012 to January 31, 2015. Different laboratory parameters, including ILs, and the severity scoring systems Ranson's criteria and Bedside Index of Severity in Acute Pancreatitis (BISAP) were analyzed. AP was classified into mild and severe, and independent parameters were compared between these groups. The predictive performance of each parameter was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the area under the ROC curve (AUC). A binomial logistic regression was performed to evaluate Ranson's criteria and IL6, IL8, and IL10 (at admission and after 48 hours) in the course of AP. Overall, 96 patients were treated, 59 (61.5%) males and 37 (38.5%) females, average age 62.5 ± 16.8 years (range 22-91 years). The best predictor for the severity of AP was IL6, measured 48 hours after admission (AUC = 0.84). Other useful predictors of the severity of AP were lactate dehydrogenase (p < 0.001), serum glucose (p < 0.006), and difference in the platelet count (p < 0.001) between admission and after 48 hours (p < 0.001), hemoglobin (p < 0.027) and erythrocytes (p < 0.029). The major causes of AP were gallstones and alcohol consumption. According to our results, IL6 and Ranson score are important predictors of the severity of AP.

Examination of protective and therapeutic effects of ruscogenin on cerulein-induced experimental acute pancreatitis in rats

Purpose

To determine the potential protective and therapeutic effects and action mechanism of ruscogenin on cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis (AP) model in rats.

Methods

Overall, 32 rats were attenuated to the sham (2-mL/kg/day isotonic solution for 4 weeks), control (20-µg/kg cerulein-induced AP for 12 hours), prophylaxis groups (cerulein-induced AP following 3-mL/kg/day ruscogenin for 4 weeks) and treatment (3-mL/kg/day ruscogenin following cerulein-induced AP for 12 hours). Blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis of nitric oxide synthase 1 (NOS1/neuronal NOS), malondialdehyde (MDA) and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1). After sacrification, pancreas tissues were collected and prepared for light microscopic (hematoxylin and eosin), immunohistochemical (nuclear factor kappa B) and biochemical analysis (tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α], interleukin-6 and 1β [IL-6 and IL-1β], CRP, high-sensitivity CRP [hs-CRP] amylase, lipase, and ICAM-1). Ultrastructural analysis was performed by transmission electron microscopy.

Results

The protective and therapeutic actions of ruscogenin were accomplished by improvements in histopathology, by decreasing blood cytokine levels of CRP, hs-CRP levels, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, ICAM-1, by reducing the pancreatic enzymes amylase and lipase in blood, and by suppressing the expression of nuclear factor kappa B, ICAM-1, and NOS-1, but not MDA in pancreatic tissues. Ruscogenin also improved cerulein-induced ultrastructural degenerations in endocrine and exocrine cells, especially in treatment group.

Conclusion

The present findings have demonstrated the beneficial protective and therapeutical effects of ruscogenin, nominating it as a highly promising supplementary agent to be considered in the treatment of AP, and even as a protective agent against the damages induced by disease.

Procalcitonin, C-Reactive Protein, and Neutrophil Ratio Contribute to the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Severe Acute Pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

We aimed to explore the significance of procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP) and neutrophil ratio (N%) in the early diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP).

METHODS

A total of 104 patients with SAP (SAP group) and 101 patients with mild acute pancreatitis (MAP) (MAP group) admitted to Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, China were enrolled. The PCT and CRP in serum were detected by a full-automatic biochemical analyzer, and N% in peripheral blood was measured by a hemocyte analyzer.

RESULTS

The peripheral blood PCT, CRP, and N% in the SAP group were significantly higher than those in the MAP group (P<0.001). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) score, Ranson score, PCT, CRP, and N% were independent risk factors for SAP. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed that the area under curve (AUC) of PCT, CRP, and N% in diagnosing SAP were 0.906, 0.840, and 0.834 respectively, while that of combined detection was 0.972. The AUC of PCT, CRP, and N% in diagnosing SAP death were 0.907, 0.900, and 0.894, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Peripheral blood PCT, CRP, and N% contribute to the diagnosis and prognosis of SAP.

IL-6-mediated hepatocyte production is the primary source of plasma and urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin during acute kidney injury

Neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL, Lcn2) is the most widely studied biomarker of acute kidney injury (AKI). Previous studies have demonstrated that NGAL is produced by the kidney and released into the urine and plasma. Consequently, NGAL is currently considered a tubule specific injury marker of AKI. However, the utility of NGAL to predict AKI has been variable suggesting that other mechanisms of production are present. IL-6 is a proinflammatory cytokine increased in plasma by two hours of AKI and mediates distant organ effects. Herein, we investigated the role of IL-6 in renal and extra-renal NGAL production. Wild type mice with ischemic AKI had increased plasma IL-6, increased hepatic NGAL mRNA, increased plasma NGAL, and increased urine NGAL; all reduced in IL-6 knockout mice. Intravenous IL-6 in normal mice increased hepatic NGAL mRNA, plasma NGAL and urine NGAL. In mice with hepatocyte specific NGAL deletion (Lcn2hep-/-) and ischemic AKI, hepatic NGAL mRNA was absent, and plasma and urine NGAL were reduced. Since urine NGAL levels appear to be dependent on plasma levels, the renal handling of circulating NGAL was examined using recombinant human NGAL. After intravenous recombinant human NGAL administration to mice, human NGAL in mouse urine was detected by ELISA during proximal tubular dysfunction, but not in pre-renal azotemia. Thus, during AKI, IL-6 mediates hepatic NGAL production, hepatocytes are the primary source of plasma and urine NGAL, and plasma NGAL appears in the urine during proximal tubule dysfunction. Hence, our data change the paradigm by which NGAL should be interpreted as a biomarker of AKI.

Curcumin protects the pancreas from acute pancreatitis via the mitogen‑activated protein kinase signaling pathway

Curcumin has been demonstrated to reduce markers of inflammation during acute pancreatitis (AP). However, the underlying mechanisms of the protective effects of curcumin are unknown. In the present study the effects of curcumin in an AP animal model and cell models was examined and the underlying mechanisms were investigated. An AP animal model was established by injection of 5% sodium taurocholate into the biliopancreatic duct of rats, and the cell model was established by treatment with 0.5 nM cerulein with an optimal concentration of lipopolysaccharide in AR42J rat pancreatic cancer cells. Amylase activity and arterial blood gas composition were assessed by automatic biochemical and blood gas analyzers. Pathological alteration of the pancreas was determined by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Interleukin (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured by ELISA. Cell viability was determined by Cell Counting Kit-8 and protein expression levels were assessed by western blotting. Curcumin reduced the ascites volume after 12 and 24 h, the weight of pancreas after 12, 24 and 36 h of surgery, but also attenuated injury to the pancreas. Serum expression levels of TNF-α and CRP were reduced by curcumin. In addition, curcumin decreased the cell viability, amylase activity and the phosphorylation of p38 in AR42J cells, but did not affect the intracellular levels of IL-6 and TNF-α. Curcumin may lower the severity and inflammatory response via the mitogen-activated protein kinase-signaling pathway, to some extent. However, future studies are required to fully understand the protective effects of curcumin on AP.

Prediction of Self-Limited Acute Pancreatitis Cases at Admission to Emergency Unit

Background

While acute pancreatitis (AP) resolves spontaneously with supportive treatment in most patients, it may be life-threatening. Predicting the disease severity at onset dictates the management strategy. We aimed to define the patients with mild pancreatitis who may be considered for outpatient management with significant cost-savings.

Materials and Methods

This prospective observational study included 180 patients with mild AP according to the harmless acute pancreatitis score (HAPS) and Imrie score. The relationships of biochemical parameters with the changes in the Balthazar score and clinical course were examined.

Results

The study included 180 patients (111 females, 69 males; mean age: 53.9 ± 17.2 years; range: 17-92 years). The etiology was biliary in 118 (65%) patients and remained undetermined in 38 (21.1%) patients. Computed tomography (CT) performed within the first 12 h revealed mild and moderate AP in 159 (88.3%) and 21 (11.7%) patients, respectively. CT repeated at 72 h revealed mild, moderate, and severe AP in 155 (86.1%), 24 (13.3%), and 1 (0.6%) patients, respectively. Comparisons between stages A + B + C and D + E showed significant differences in the amylase levels on day 1 and 3, and in C-reactive protein on day 3. Also, in stage D and E disease, narcotic analgesic intake, oral intake onset time, and pain were significantly higher.

Conclusion

There were no significant changes in the CT findings of patients with mild AP at 12 and 72 h. Most patients (n = 179; 99.4%) recovered uneventfully. Patients with mild pancreatitis according to the HAPS and Imrie scores can be considered for outpatient management. The recovery is longer in stage D and E disease.

The Effects of Lycium Barbarum Polysaccharide (LBP) in a Mouse Model of Cerulein-Induced Acute Pancreatitis

BACKGROUND Acute pancreatitis is an inflammatory disease of the pancreas associated with high patient morbidity. Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP), a traditional Chinese medicine with an active component extracted from the goji berry, has previously been reported to have anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to investigate the effects of LBP in a mouse model of cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS Acute pancreatitis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of cerulein in C57BL/6 wild-type mice or nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (NRF2) gene knockout mice. LBP or normal saline was administrated by gavage once daily for one week before the induction of acute pancreatitis. At 12 hours after the first intraperitoneal injection of cerulein, the mice were euthanized. Blood and pancreatic tissue were sampled for histology and for the measurement of pro-inflammatory cytokines, serum amylase, and lipase. RESULTS In the untreated mouse model of cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis, amylase and lipase levels were increased, and these levels were reduced by LBP treatment when compared with vehicle treatment. In the untreated mouse model, histology of the pancreas showed edema and inflammation, which were reduced in the LBP-treated mice. In the untreated mouse model, increased levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were found, which were reduced in the LBP-treated mice. NRF2 gene knockout mice with cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis showed reduced anti-inflammatory effects of LBP treatment. LBP increased the expression of NRF2 and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). CONCLUSIONS In a mouse model of cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis, LBP reduced inflammation by upregulating NRF2 and HO-1.

Therapeutic effect of ultrasound interventional perirenal catheter-assisted early peripancreatic lavage of protease inhibitor on severe acute pancreatitis in miniature pigs

OBJECTIVES

To study the therapeutic effect of early peripancreatic lavage of ulinastatin on severe acute pancreatitis(SAP).

METHODS

Sixteen pigs were divided into 4 groups: model(SAP), saline lavage(SL), ulinastatin lavage(UL), intravenous ulinastatin(IU). UL and SL group were given peripancreatic lavage of ulinastatin by ultrasound-guided perirenal catheterization and IU group was intravenously instilled with ulinastatin. The multi-organ functions and the inflammatory factors were observed.

RESULTS

UL group has the best therapeutic effect. The changes of multi-organ functions and the inflammatory factors were compared with SAP group as follows. In time window of treatment: amylase (p < 0.01), lipase (p < 0.01), ALT (p > 0.05), AST (p < 0.05), CR (p < 0.01), UR (p < 0.01), IL-6 (p < 0.01), IL-10 (p < 0.01). In post-treatment phase: amylase (p < 0.01), lipase (p < 0.01), ALT (p < 0.01), AST (p < 0.01), CR (p < 0.05), UR (p > 0.05), IL-6 (p < 0.01), IL-10 (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Early peripancreatic lavage of ulinastatin in SAP could effectively improve the multi-organ functions and inflammatory response.

WITHDRAWN: Stilamin inhibits intestinal and pancreatic injury in rats with severe acute pancreatitis by down-regulating LCN2 expression

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Evaluation of Early Prognostic Factors of Mortality in Patients with Acute Pancreatitis: A Retrospective Study

Early and accurate assessment of severity in acute pancreatitis (AP) is of great importance to provide effective disease management and prevent mortality. In this study, we aim to evaluate early indicators that predict the mortality of AP. We retrospectively analyzed 24-hour clinical characteristics and laboratory data in 166 AP patients recruited between January 2014 and November 2015 in Baotou Central Hospital. In total, 18 patients did not survive the disease. Multivariate logistic regression showed that red cell distribution (RDW) (OR = 2.965, P = 0.001) and creatinine (OR = 1.025, P = 0.005) were early independent risk factors of AP mortality while albumin (OR = 0.920, P = 0.032) levels reduced AP mortality. The corresponding optimal cut-off values were 14.45, 125.5, and 34.95, respectively. The positive predictive values of the AP mortality were 80.1%, 54.5%, and 69.5%. In combined measurement, the area under the curve of RDW, creatinine, and albumin was 0.964 (95% CI: 0.924 to 1.000, P < 0.001). RDW ≥ 14.45%, creatinine ≥ 125.5 μmol/l, and albumin ≤ 34.95 g/l indicated a good predictive value for mortality in AP patients with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 64.2%. RDW, creatinine, and albumin may serve as early indicators for AP mortality which warrants further clinical investigation.

Trimetazidine Increases Cell Survival and Inhibits the Activation of Inflammatory Response in Sodium Taurocholate–Induced Acute Pancreatitis

Objective:

To evaluate the therapeutic effects of trimetazidine (TMZ) in an experimental acute pancreatitis (AP) model induced with sodium taurocholate (STC).

Summary of Background Data:

At present, AP is considered a disease with no specific treatment. Preventing mitochondrial dysfunction in acinar cells may be an option for specific treatment of AP. TMZ is an anti-ischemic drug with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and mitochondrial modulatory effects.

Methods:

Rats were divided into 4 groups. AP was induced in the AP (n = 7) and AP + TMZ (n = 7) groups by an injection of 4% sodium taurocholate to the pancreatic duct. The sham (n = 6) and drug (n = 6) groups were designated as control groups. The AP + TMZ and drug groups were administered TMZ. Samples were taken at 72 hours, and histopathologic changes as well as biochemical parameters were analyzed.

Results:

Serum amylase, tissue myeloperoxidase activity, malondialdehyde levels, serum cytokine levels, and mast cell degranulation rates were elevated after induction of AP, whereas tissue antioxidant enzyme activities and cell viability rates [determined by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay] decreased. These parameters were found to be different in the AP group compared with those in all other groups (P &lt; 0.05). A significant improvement of all parameters was achieved with the TMZ treatment of AP. Histologically, significant differences were found between the AP and AP + TMZ groups in terms of leukocyte infiltration, necrosis, and apoptotic cell counts.

Conclusions:

In this study, we demonstrated that TMZ treatment protected the mitochondrial function and prevented the activation of the inflammatory cascade in the sodium taurocholate–induced AP model.

Immature granulocytes predict severe acute pancreatitis independently of systemic inflammatory response syndrome

Introduction

Early prediction of severity of acute pancreatitis (AP) by a simple parameter that positively correlates with the activation stage of the immune system would be very helpful because it could influence the management and improve the outcome. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 (IL-1) play a critical role in the pathogenesis systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and severity of AP. One of the effects of IL-1 and TNF-α is an increase in the number of immature granulocytes (IGs) in the peripheral blood.

Aim

To assess whether the IGs% in plasma could be an independent marker of AP severity.

Material and methods

A cohort of 77 patients with AP were prospectively enrolled in the study. The IGs were measured from whole blood samples obtained from the first day of hospitalization using an automated analyser.

Results

We observed 44 (57%) patients with mild AP, 21 (27%) patients with moderate severe AP (SAP) and 12 (16%) patients with SAP. The cut-off value of IGs was 0.6%. The IGs > 0.6% had a sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value of 100%, 96%, 85.7%, and 100%, respectively (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.98). On admission, SIRS was present in 25 (32%) patients. We found that in patients who fulfilled at least two criteria for SIRS, SAP could be predicted with 75% sensitivity and 75.4% specificity, positive predictive value 36%, negative predictive value 94.2%.

Conclusions

The IGs% as a routinely obtained marker appears to be a promising, independent biomarker and a better predictor of early prognosis in SAP than SIRS and white blood cell.

Effect of acute pancreatitis on the risk of developing osteoporosis: A nationwide cohort study

PURPOSE

Chronic exocrine pancreatic insufficiency can lead to osteoporosis. However, the incidence and risk of osteoporosis after acute inflammation of pancreas remained known. Thus, we conducted a population-based cohort study to clarify the association between acute pancreatitis (AP) and osteoporosis.

METHODS

Patients newly diagnosed with AP with index date between 2000 and 2011 were identified from the National Health Insurance Research Database. Osteoporosis were defined according to the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. We applied age-, sex-, and comorbidities-adjusted variable Cox proportional hazard models for assessing the association between AP and osteoporosis. Moreover, these models were used to adjust for the influences of patient characteristics and comorbidities.

RESULTS

In this study, 4,016 patients were included in the AP cohort (males, 67.9%; mean age, 51.8 years) and 4,016 matched controls in the non-AP cohort. After a mean follow-up period of 4.97 and 5.21 years in the AP and non-AP cohorts, respectively, the incidence of osteoporosis was 8.22 per 1000 person-years in the AP cohort. The AP cohort had a higher risk [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.02-1.58] of osteoporosis than did the non-AP cohort. The risk of osteoporosis was highest in the female patients of the AP cohort (aHR = 2.26, 95% CI = 1.85-2.76) and patients aged 50-64 years (aHR = 4.14, 95% CI = 3.13-5.47).

CONCLUSION

AP patients are at a risk of osteoporosis, especially female gender and age 50-64 years. Those with > 3 episodes of AP had highest significant risk of developing osteoporosis.

Effects of Tocilizumab on Experimental Severe Acute Pancreatitis and Associated Acute Lung Injury

OBJECTIVE

To examine the therapeutic effects of tocilizumab, an antibody against interleukin-6 receptor, on experimental severe acute pancreatitis and associated acute lung injury. The optimal dose of tocilizumab and the activation of interleukin-6 inflammatory signaling were also investigated.

DESIGN

Randomized experiment.

SETTING

Research laboratory at a university hospital.

SUBJECT

Experimental severe acute pancreatitis in rats.

INTERVENTIONS

Severe acute pancreatitis was induced by retrograde injection of sodium taurocholate (50 mg/kg) into the biliopancreatic duct. In dose-study, rats were administered with different doses of tocilizumab (1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 mg/kg) through the tail vein after severe acute pancreatitis induction. In safety-study, rats without severe acute pancreatitis induction were treated with high doses of tocilizumab (8, 16, 32, and 64 mg/kg). Serum and tissue samples of rats in time-study were collected for biomolecular and histologic evaluations at different time points (2, 6, 12, 18, and 24 hr).

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

1) Under the administration of tocilizumab, histopathological scores of pancreas and lung were decreased, and severity parameters related to severe acute pancreatitis and associated lung injury, including serum amylase, C-reactive protein, lung surfactant protein level, and myeloperoxidase activity, were all significant alleviated in rat models. 2) Dose-study demonstrated that 2 mg/kg tocilizumab was the optimal treatment dose. 3) Basing on multi-organ pathologic evaluation, physiological and biochemical data, no adverse effect and toxicity of tocilizumab were observed in safety-study. 4) Pancreatic nuclear factor-κB and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 were deactivated, and the serum chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 was down-regulated after tocilizumab administration.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated tocilizumab, as a marketed drug commonly used for immune-mediated diseases, was safe and effective for the treatment of experimental severe acute pancreatitis and associated acute lung injury. Our findings provide experimental evidences for potential clinical application of tocilizumab in severe acute pancreatitis and associated complications.

Serum C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, and lactate dehydrogenase for the diagnosis of pancreatic necrosis

BACKGROUND

The treatment of people with pancreatic necrosis differs from that of people with oedematous pancreatitis. It is important to know the diagnostic accuracy of serum C-reactive protein (CRP), serum procalcitonin, and serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as a triage test for the detection of pancreatic necrosis in people with acute pancreatitis, so that an informed decision can be made as to whether the person with pancreatic necrosis needs further investigations such as computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan and treatment for pancreatic necrosis started. There is currently no standard clinical practice, although CRP, particularly an increasing trend of CRP, is often used as a triage test to determine whether the person requires further imaging. There is also currently no systematic review of the diagnostic test accuracy of CRP, procalcitonin, and LDH for the diagnosis of pancreatic necrosis in people with acute pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the diagnostic accuracy of CRP, procalcitonin, or LDH (index test), either alone or in combination, in the diagnosis of necrotising pancreatitis in people with acute pancreatitis and without organ failure.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Science Citation Index Expanded, National Institute for Health Research (NIHR HTA and DARE), and other databases until March 2017. We searched the references of the included studies to identify additional studies. We did not restrict studies based on language or publication status, or whether data were collected prospectively or retrospectively. We also performed a 'related search' and 'citing reference' search in MEDLINE and Embase.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included all studies that evaluated the diagnostic test accuracy of CRP, procalcitonin, and LDH for the diagnosis of pancreatic necrosis in people with acute pancreatitis using the following reference standards, either alone or in combination: radiological features of pancreatic necrosis (contrast-enhanced CT or MRI), surgeon's judgement of pancreatic necrosis during surgery, or histological confirmation of pancreatic necrosis. Had we found case-control studies, we planned to exclude them because they are prone to bias; however, we did not locate any. Two review authors independently identified the relevant studies from the retrieved references.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently extracted data, including methodological quality assessment, from the included studies. As the included studies reported CRP, procalcitonin, and LDH on different days of admission and measured at different cut-off levels, it was not possible to perform a meta-analysis using the bivariate model as planned. We have reported the sensitivity, specificity, post-test probability of a positive and negative index test along with 95% confidence interval (CI) on each of the different days of admission and measured at different cut-off levels.

MAIN RESULTS

A total of three studies including 242 participants met the inclusion criteria for this review. One study reported the diagnostic performance of CRP for two threshold levels (> 200 mg/L and > 279 mg/L) without stating the day on which the CRP was measured. One study reported the diagnostic performance of procalcitonin on day 1 (1 day after admission) using a threshold level of 0.5 ng/mL. One study reported the diagnostic performance of CRP on day 3 (3 days after admission) using a threshold level of 140 mg/L and LDH on day 5 (5 days after admission) using a threshold level of 290 U/L. The sensitivities and specificities varied: the point estimate of the sensitivities ranged from 0.72 to 0.88, while the point estimate of the specificities ranged from 0.75 to 1.00 for the different index tests on different days of hospital admission. However, the confidence intervals were wide: confidence intervals of sensitivities ranged from 0.51 to 0.97, while those of specificities ranged from 0.18 to 1.00 for the different tests on different days of hospital admission. Overall, none of the tests assessed in this review were sufficiently accurate to suggest that they could be useful in clinical practice.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The paucity of data and methodological deficiencies in the studies meant that it was not possible to arrive at any conclusions regarding the diagnostic test accuracy of the index test because of the uncertainty of the results. Further well-designed diagnostic test accuracy studies with prespecified index test thresholds of CRP, procalcitonin, LDH; appropriate follow-up (for at least two weeks to ensure that the person does not have pancreatic necrosis, as early scans may not indicate pancreatic necrosis); and clearly defined reference standards (of surgical or radiological confirmation of pancreatic necrosis) are important to reliably determine the diagnostic accuracy of CRP, procalcitonin, and LDH.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of Da-Cheng-Qi decoction in the liver of rats with severe acute pancreatitis

AIM

To explore the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of Da-Cheng-Qi decoction (DCQD) in the liver of rats with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) based on an herbal recipe tissue pharmacology hypothesis.

METHODS

Healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a sham operation group (SOG); a model group (MG); and low-, median- and high-dose treatment groups (LDG, MDG, and HDG, respectively). Different dosages (6, 12 and 24 g/kg for the LDG, MDG, and HDG, respectively) of DCQD were administered to the rats with SAP. The tissue concentrations of aloe-emodin, rhein, emodin, chrysophanol, honokiol, rheo chrysophanol, magnolol, hesperidin, naringenin and naringin in the liver of the treated rats were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) in serum, inflammatory mediators in the liver and pathological scores were evaluated.

RESULTS

The major components of DCQD were detected in the liver, and their concentrations increased dose-dependently. The high dose of DCQD showed a maximal effect in ameliorating the pathological damages, decreasing the pro-inflammatory mediators tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin (IL)-6 and increasing anti-inflammatory mediators IL-4 and IL-10 in the liver. The pathological scores in the pancreas for the MG were significantly higher than those for the SOG (P < 0.05). DCQD could reduce the pathological scores in the pancreas and liver of the rats with SAP, especially in the HDG. Compared to the SOG, the ALT and AST levels in serum were higher in the MG (P < 0.05), while there was no statistical difference in the MG and HDG.

CONCLUSION

DCQD could alleviate liver damage by altering the inflammatory response in rats with SAP based on the liver distribution of its components.

Curcumin Mediates a Protective Effect Via TLR-4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Rat Model of Severe Acute Pancreatitis

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is a common acute abdominal disease. This study was designed to investigate the preventive effects of curcumin on SAP and its possible mechanism of action. We observed increased volume of ascites, serum AMY, IL-6, and TNF-α levels, and expression of TLR-4 and NF-κB mRNA and protein in a rat model of SAP. Application of curcumin resulted in lower ascites volume and serum AMY. The levels of serum cytokines IL-10 and TNF-α were also significantly reduced after curcumin treatment, as evident from ELISA analysis. RT-PCR analysis showed down-regulation of TLR4 and NF-κB expressions as a function of curcumin treatment. Our results demonstrate the protective effect of curcumin in a rat model of SAP via the involvement of TLR-4/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Interleukin-6: An Early Predictive Marker for Severity of Acute Pancreatitis

Background and Aims:

Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10, and C-reactive protein (CRP) have been evaluated for predicting outcomes of acute pancreatitis. However, there is considerable variation in their performance among different studies. We evaluate their accuracy in predicting progression to severe pancreatitis.

Materials and Methods:

Serum IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and CRP levels were measured within 24 h of admission in forty patients of clinically predicted severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). Persistent organ failure (>48 h) defined SAP. The performance of inflammatory markers was evaluated in predicting the progression of pancreatitis.

Results:

IL-6 ≥28.90 pg/mL had a sensitivity of 62.86%, specificity of 80%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 95.65%, LR+ of 3.1429, LR− of 0.4643, and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) of 6.7692; IL-8 ≥88.70 pg/mL had a sensitivity of 60%, specificity of 80%, PPV of 95.45%, LR+ of 3.000, LR− of 0.5000, and DOR of 6.000; IL-10 ≤5.70 pg/mL had DOR of 0.2647, sensitivity of 51.43%, specificity of 20%, PPV of 81.82%, LR+ of 0.6429, and LR− of 2.4286. CRP ≥110.00 mg/L had DOR of 2.3636, sensitivity of 37.14%, specificity of 80%, PPV of 92.86%, LR+ of 1.8571, and LR of 0.7857.

Conclusions:

IL-6 ≥28.90 pg/mL, measured within 48 h of onset is the best among the tested biomarkers in this study for predicting the progression to severe pancreatitis.

Effects of ω-3 fatty acids on toll-like receptor 4 and nuclear factor-κB p56 in lungs of rats with severe acute pancreatitis

AIM

To determine the effects of ω-3 fatty acids (ω-3FA) on the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor κB p56 (NF-κBp56) signal pathway in the lungs of rats with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP).

METHODS

A total of 56 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group, SAP-saline group, SAP-soybean oil group and SAP-ω-3FA group. SAP was induced by the retrograde infusion of sodium taurocholate into the pancreatic duct. The expression of TLR4 and NF-κBp56 in the lungs was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. The levels of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in the lungs were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

The expression of TLR4 and NF-κBp56 in lungs and of inflammatory cytokines in serum significantly increased in the SAP group compared with the control group (P < 0.05), but was significantly decreased in the ω-3FA group compared with the soybean oil group at 12 and 24 h (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

During the initial stage of SAP, ω-3FA can efficiently lower the inflammatory response and reduce lung injury by triggering the TLR4/NF-κBp56 signal pathway.

Soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) - Progress in prediction of AP severity

BACKGROUND

Soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) is a glycoprotein secreted during inflammation and infections. Moreover, increased levels of suPAR are observed after hypoxia and ischaemia. The aim of the study was to assess whether suPAR could represent a useful marker of acute pancreatitis (AP) severity.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We have observed a cohort of 126 prospectively enrolled patients. Based on the presence of persistent organ failure (more than 48 h) and local complications (diagnosis of moderate AP [MSAP]), patients were classified into three groups: mild AP (MAP), moderate and severe AP (SAP). The blood samples were taken on admission for detecting suPAR concentrations.

RESULTS

AP was considered severe in 33 patients (26.2%), MSAP was found in 37 patients (29.4%), and MAP was found in 56 patients (44,4%). The AUC for SAP predicted by suPAR was 0.993. The calculated cut-off point for prognosis SAP is 4.75 ng/mL. The BISAP score of ≥3 for detection of SAP had sensitivity and specificity of 94.6% and 63.6%, respectively. The AUC for severity predicted by BISAP amounted to 0.916. Additionally, suPAR turned out to be a good predictor of fatal AP: for the cut-off point 7.05 ng/mL, the AUC was 0.917. The AUC for death prediction in AP patients based on the BISAP score ≥3 was 0.894.

CONCLUSIONS

suPAR concentration is a promising new diagnostic and prognostic indicator in SAP obtainable in the early stage of disease. Larger studies are recommended to evaluate this role further.