Leptin treatment ameliorates acute lung injury in rats with cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis

AIM:To determine the effect of exogenous leptin on acute lung injury (ALI) in cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis (AP). METHODS:Forty-eight rats were randomly divided into 3 groups. AP was induced by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of cerulein (50 μg/kg) four times,at 1 h intervals. The rats received a single i.p. injection of 10 μg/kg leptin (leptin group) or 2 mL saline (AP group) after cerulein injections. In the sham group,animals were given a single i.p. injection of 2 mL saline. Experimental samples were collected for biochemical and histological evaluations at 24 h and 48 h after the induction of AP or saline administration. Blood samples were obtained for the determination of amylase,lipase,tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a,interleukin (IL)-1β,macrophage inflammatory peptide (MIP)-2 and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM)-1 levels,while pancreatic and lung tissues were removed for myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity,nitric oxide (NOx) level,CD40 expression and histological evaluation. RESULTS:Cerulein injection caused severe AP,confirmed by an increase in serum amylase and lipase levels,histopathological findings of severe AP,and pancreatic MPO activity,compared to the values obtained in the sham group. In the leptin group,serum levels of MIP-2,sICMA-1,TNF-a,and IL-1b,pancreatic MPO activity,CD40 expression in pancreas and lung tissues,and NOx level in the lung tissue were lower compared to those in the AP group. Histologically,pancreatic and lungdamage was less severe following leptin administration. CONCLUSION:Exogenous leptin attenuates inflammatory changes,and reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines,nitric oxide levels,and CD40 expression in ceruleininduced AP and may be protective in AP associated ALI.

Coexistence of Mirizzi syndrome with adenomyomatosis in the gallbladder:report of a case

BACKGROUND: Mirizzi syndrome is a rare complication of cholelithiasis. Adenomyomatosis is a common tumor-like lesion of the gallbladder. METHODS: A 52-year-old man was admitted to our hospital complaining of right hypochondriac pain and jaundice. Ultrasonography and computed tomography revealed stones in the gallbladder and dilation of the intrahepatic bile ducts. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography revealed narrowing of the common bile duct caused by compression of the gallbladder. Laparotomy revealed type II Mirizzi syndrome. RESULTS: Partial cholecystectomy with a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy reconstruction was performed. Histologically, Rokitansky-Aschoff sinus proliferation, hypertrophy of smooth muscles, and fibrosis were seen in the gallbladder. A segmental type of adenomyornatosis of the gallbladder was diagnosed. CONCLUSIONS: The pathogenic link between the two peculiar entities is unclear. A possible explanation is considered that the pathogenesis of Mirizzi syndrome is resulted from chronic inflammation due to adenomyomatosis.

Adipokines and ghrelin in gastric cancer cachexia

AIM:To investigate the roles of the adipocytokines,ghrelin and leptin in gastric cancer cachexia. METHODS:Resistin,ghrelin,leptin,adiponectin,insulin and insulin-like growth factor(IGF-Ⅰ),were measured in 30 healthy subjects,and 60 gastric cancer patients of which 30 suffered from cancer-induced cachexia and 30 served as a control group. The relationships between hormones,body mass index(BMI) loss ratio,age,gender,and Glasgow Prognostic Score(GPS) were investigated. RESULTS:Cachexia patients had higher tumor stage and GPS when compared with non-cachexia patients(P < 0.05). Ghrelin,resistin,leptin,adiponectin and IGF-Ⅰ,showed a significant correlation with BMI loss ratio and GPS(P < 0.05). A strong correlation was seen between GPS and BMI loss(R = -0.570,P < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis indicated that BMI loss was significantly independent as a predictor of ghrelin,resistin,leptin and IGF-Ⅰ(P < 0.05). Existence of an important significant relationship between resistin and insulin resistance was also noted. CONCLUSION:These results showed that serum ghrelin,leptin,adiponectin,and IGF-Ⅰ play important roles in cachexia-related gastric cancers. No relationshipwas found between resistin and cancer cachexia. Also,because of the correlation between these parameters and GPS,these parameters might be used as a predictor factor.

Effects of microalgae chlorella species crude extracts on intestinal adaptation in experimental short bowel syndrome

AIM： To evaluate the effects of chlorella crude extract （CCE） on intestinal adaptation in rats subjected to short bowel syndrome （SBS）. METHODS： Wistar rats weighing 230-260 g were used in the study. After anesthesia a 75% small bowel resection was performed. Rats were randomized and divided into groups. Control group （n = 10）： where 5% dextrose was given through a gastrostomy tube, Enteral nutrition （EN） group （n = 10）： Isocaloric and isonitrogen EN （Alitraq, Abbott, USA）, study group （n = 10）： CCE was administrated through a gastrostomy tube. Rats were sacrificed on the fifteenth pcstoperative day and blood and tissue samples were taken. Histopathologic evaluation, intestinal mucosal protein and DNA levels, intestinal proliferation and apoptosis were determined in intestinal tissues, and total protein, albumin and citrulline levels in blood were studied. RESULTS： In rats receiving CCE, villus lengthening, crypt depth, mucosal DNA and protein levels, intestinal proliferation, and serum citrulline, protein and albumin levels were found to be significantly higher than those in control group. Apoptosis in CCE treated rats was significantly reduced when compared to EN group rats. CONCLUSION： CCE has beneficial effects on intestinal adaptation in experimental SBS.