Apigenin exerts anti-inflammatory effects in an experimental odel of acute pancreatitis by down-regulating TNF-α

Abstract

Background/Aim: This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of apigenin in an experimental model of acute pancreatitis. Inflammatory response was reflected by tissue expression of the cytokine TNF-α coupled with histological examination. Materials and Methods: Wistar rats were divided into three groups: Sham-group animals underwent laparotomy only, without any other interventions. Control-group animals underwent laparotomy and bilio-pancreatic duct ligation to induce pancreatitis without apigenin administration. Apigenin group animals were further treated with apigenin. Euthanasia was performed at 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h post-operatively. Results: Over-expression of TNF-α in relation to postoperative time was observed in the control group (p<0.001). In the apigenin group, under-expression of TNF-α in relation to postoperative time was observed (p<0.013). At 72 h, apigenin reduced pancreatic TNF-α expression and prevented pancreatic necrosis. Conclusion: Apigenin slows progression and reduces severity of acute pancreatitis. Apigenin may serve as an adjunct to a more successful therapeutic strategy in acute pancreatitis.