Serum Ghrelin and Plasma Insulin Levels were altered during Disease Course of L-Arginine induced Acute Pancreatitis

Objectives: To evaluate ghrelin serum level changes in animal model of L-arginine induced acute pancreatitis (AP) and the therapeutic effect of concomitant ghrelin administration. Materials & Methods: 30 rats were divided into 3 equal groups: Group A; received intra-peritoneal injection (ipi) of sterile water and Groups B and C received ipi of L-arginine solution (500 mg/100 g) and group C received 2-days subcutaneous injections of ghrelin (10 nmol/kg). Fasting blood samples were obtained, prior to AP induction, 12, 24 and 48-hr after AP induction for estimation of fasting blood glucose (FBG), plasma insulin (FPI) and serum lipase, amylase, C.reactive protein(CRP) and ghrelin. At 48-hr, all animals were sacrificed and pancreas was excised for histopathological examination and scoring. Results: Compared to control and pre-induction levels, serum amylase and lipase levels were significantly high at 12 and 24-hr and declined at 48-hr. FPI levels were significantly lower at 12 and 24-hr, but non-significantly elevated at 48-hr. FBG levels were significantly higher at 12 and peaked at 24-hr. Serum CRP levels at 12, 24 and 48-hr were significant high, while serum ghrelin levels were significantly lower at 12 and 24-hr, but started to increase at 48-hr. Regression analysis defined serum amylase as significant positive and FPI level as significant negative early predictor for histopathological injury. Serum amylase, lipase and CRP levels were significantly lower at 12, 24 and 48-hr and mean FPI levels were significantly higher with significantly lower FBG levels at 24 and 48-hr in group C compared to group B. Conclusion: FPI and serum ghrelin levels were correlated negatively with pathological score. Serum ghrelin levels could be used for follow-up of cases with AP as a prognostic marker. Ghrelin administration ameliorated the altered pancreatic functions and aids subsidence of inflammation.