Abstract

Nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) plays a critical role in development of acute pancreatitis. Baicalin, a root extract of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, had protective effects in a rat model of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). This study investigated the influence of baicalin on pancreatitis and the mechanism of anti-inflammatory effects associated with NF-κB activation. Sixty rats were assigned to four groups (n = 15). SAP rat models were prepared via retrograde injection of 3.5% sodium taurocholate in the pancreatic duct. Sham-treated rats only received open abdomenal surgery. Ten minutes post-surgery, rats were administered 5% baicalin solution or saline. Measures of pancreatic inflammation and pathology were assessed 6 h later. Compared to controls, sodium taurocholate-treated rats had greater pancreatic injury and neutrophil infiltration, stronger activation of lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress, enhanced levels of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and P-selectin, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-6, and decreased IκBα. Baicalin markedly reduced the degree of inflammation and tissue injury, lipid peroxidation, poly (ADP-ribose) and nitrotyrosine production, upregulation/formation of ICAM-1 and P-selectin, neutrophil infiltration, TNF-α and IL-6 production, and increased IκBα in SAP rats. Baicalin attenuated rat pancreatitis induced by sodium taurocholate, and the anti-inflammatory effect was attributed in part to NF-κB inhibition.

Key words: Baicalin, nuclear factor-κB, acute pancreatitis, inflammation, neutrophil infiltration, cytokines.