Effects of abdominal lavage with traditional Chinese medicine on plasma levels of IL-6, IL-8 and TNFα and pancreatic damage in rats with acute hemorrhagic necrotizing pancreatitis

Objective To explore the roles of IL-6, IL-8 and TNFa in pathogenesis of acute hemorrhagic necrotizing pancreatitis (AHNP) and investigate the curative effects of different abdominal lavage fluids on AHNP. Methods A total of 160 rats were randomized into the sham operated group, control group, antibiotic abdominal lavaged group and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) abdominal lavaged group. The model of AHNP was established by retrograde injection of 5% sodium taurocholate solution into the biliopancreatic duct. Then pancreatic tissue and blood samples were collected at the 24th, 48th and 72nd h after AHNP to measure plasma levels of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF a and examine pancreatic histological changes. Results Plasma levels of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF a were significantly higher in the control group than in the sham operated group. Meanwhile, they were increased with aggravation of AHNP. In the lavaged groups, pathological changes of the pancreas were ameliorated. TCM was more effective than other antibiotics in protecting the pancreas and reducing plasma levels of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF a. Conclusions IL-6, IL-8 and TNF a might be involved in pathogenesis of AHNP. Thus detection of plasma levels of them is helpful for evaluating the severity of AHNP. TCM abdominal lavage is more effective method for reducing plasma levels of IL-6, IL-8 and TNFa and alleviating pancreatic damage. Meanwhile, it is simple, safe and effective.