Role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of caerulein-induced acute pancreatitis

In the last decade, the role of oxidative stress has been extensively evaluated in different experimental models of acute pancreatitis. This review shows that there is strong evidence that this stress occurs as an early phenomenon in pancreatic tissue in the course of caerulein-induced acute pancreatitis. Oxidative stress was documented in pancreatic tissue by means of methods showing generation of reactive oxygen species (e.g., chemiluminescence) and accumulation of products of reactive oxygen species-mediated lipid peroxidation, with concomitant depletion of enzymatic and low molecular weight antioxidants. Features of acinar cell injury and inflammation, especially pancreatic edema, show a marked improvement following treatment with a broad spectrum of antioxidants, platelet activating factor antagonists, or donors of nitric oxide (NO). Unfortunately, in most cases these beneficial effects are temporary and generally restricted to an early phase of the disease. However, results of well-designed clinical trials should finally evaluate the importance of oxidative stress-oriented treatment in acute pancreatitis in humans. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.