Protective Effect of Naringin in L-arginine-induced Acute Pancreatitis in Wistar Rats

Protective Role of Naringin Acute Pancreatitis

Abstract

Background: Acute pancreatitis is a non-infectious inflammatory disorder of the pancreas and a leading cause of hospitalization among gastrointestinal diseases, with up to 20% of patients experiencing morbidity and mortality. Naringin, a flavonoid found in fruits like oranges and tomatoes, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful in preventing and treating various diseases. This study aimed to investigate the effects of naringin on inflammation and oxidative stress in a rat model of pancreatitis. Materials and Methods: Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups. The control group received normal saline intraperitoneally (IP). Pancreatitis was induced in the sham and experimental groups using 3.2 g/kg of L-arginine IP, twice, with a one-hour interval. The experimental low dose (E-L) and high dose (E-H) groups were given 200 and 500 mg/kg of naringin IP, 30 minutes before L-arginine administration. Serum lipase, amylase, pancreatic IL-10, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels were measured. Oxidative stress markers such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were also evaluated, and histopathological examination assessed tissue damage. Results: The sham group showed increased amylase and lipase levels compared to controls. Naringin significantly reduced these levels in the experimental groups. It also decreased MDA and MPO levels and increased SOD and GSH activities. TNF-α and IL-1β levels were elevated in the sham group but were reduced with naringin treatment, which increased IL-10 levels in a dose-dependent manner. Histopathological analysis revealed a dose-dependent reduction in tissue damage severity with naringin. Conclusion: Naringin administration reduced pancreatic enzyme activity and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities in rats with pancreatitis. It also demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects, decreased TNF-α and IL-1β levels, increased IL-10 levels, and showed protective effects against tissue damage, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for pancreatitis-related complications.