Serum and Intestinal Tissue Zonulin Levels in the Evaluation of Intestinal Permeability in Rats with Acute Pancreatitis

Abstract

To evaluate the effects on malonyledialdeyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH), glutathione (GSH) levels as oxidative stress markers, zonulin levels, and histopathological findings of experimental acute pancreatitis (AP). Th is study was conducted three groups of Sprague-Dawley rats (seven animals in every group). First group was evaluated as control group (sham laparotomy). Group 2 (AP, 48% ethyl alcohol) and group 3 (severe pancreatitis (SP), 80% ethyl alcohol) was performed. Th e eff ects of pancreatitis were evaluated by comparing these groups according to histopathologial results of polimorphonuclear leukocytes, infiltration, oedema, haemorrhagie, apoptosis, aciner cellular degeneration in pancreatic and intestinal tissue. In the SP group, completely flattened mucosal surface and severe villi loss (total villous atrophy), disorganization and hyperplasia in the crypts in the lamina propria were detected. MDA, LOOH and zonulin levels in serum and intestinal tissue were found to be significantly higher in the SP group compared to the control group. The serum and intestinal tissue SOD and GSH were found to be significantly lower than the control group. In the AP group, while LOOH and zonulin in tissues were significantly higher than control, only zonulin levels in serum were found higher than control. Zonulin and oxidative stress is basically involved in the pathogenesis of pancreatitis. Biochemical results are also supported by histopatological improvement in intestinal and pancreas tissue. Patients with pancreatitis may be more exposed to impaired gut barrier function. Serum zonulin levels can be used in the evaluation of intestinal permeability in AP.