Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Coenzyme Q10 on L-Arginine-Induced Acute Pancreatitis in Rat

Abstract

This study was aimed at evaluating the protective effect of coenzyme Q10 on L-arginine-induced acute pancreatitis in rats regarding biomarkers and morphologic changes. Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 equal groups. Control group received intraperitoneal normal saline, while in sham and experimental groups 1 and 2 pancreatitis was induced with L-arginine. E1 and E2 groups were treated with a single dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg Q10, respectively. Serum lipase and amylase, along with pancreas IL-10, IL-1β, and TNF-α, were measured. For evaluation of oxidative stress, pancreatic superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were assessed. Histopathological examination for morphologic investigation was conducted. Serum amylase and lipase, as well as TNF-α and IL-1β cytokines, reverted with administration of Q10 in consistence with dosage. In contrast, Q10 assisted in boosting of IL-10 with higher dosage (200 mg/kg). A similar pattern for oxidative stress markers was noticed. Both MDA and MPO levels declined with increased dosage, contrary to elevation of SOD and GSH. Histopathology was in favor of protective effects of Q10. Our findings proved the amelioration of pancreatic injury by Q10, which suggest the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant property of Q10 and its potential therapeutic role.

Figure 1

Effects of Q10 on the pro- and anti-inflammatory serum cytokines levels in rats. The contents of serum TNF-α (a), IL-1β (b), and IL-10 (c) of rats were measured using ELISA kits as described in Materials and Methods. Values are expressed as mean ± SD, n = 8. ^∗ P < 0.05, versus control group; ^∗∗ P < 0.05, Q10 treated groups versus sham group.

Figure 2

Pictures of pancreatic tissue sections in rats (hematoxylin and eosin, magnification ×200). (a) normal morphology, control group; (b) sham group is characterized by interstitial edema, inflammatory cell infiltration, and acinar cell; (c) and (d) treatment with Q10 (E1 and E2 groups, resp.) resulted in lower interstitial edema, less inflammatory cell infiltration, and alleviated acinar cell necrosis.

Figure 3

Total histopathological scores in pancreatic tissues of the rats. Data are expressed as mean ± SD (^∗ P < 0.001 versus control group; ^∗∗ P < 0.05 versus sham group).