Therapeutic and Protective Effect of Wheat Germ Oil on L-arginine Induced Acute Pancreatitis in Adult Albino Rats

Abstract

Background: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a disease that still has high morbidity and mortality rates. Oxygen free radicals and cytokines have been mentioned to play a role in the development of L-arginine induced AP. There is no specific therapy for AP. Herbals, as botanical medical treatments, have generated a deal of public controversy in recent years. Wheat germ oil (WGO) is one of these treatments that possess anti-inflammatory properties. Objective: To investigate the possible protective and therapeutic effect of wheat germ oil on L-arginine induced AP in adult albino rats. Methods: Forty adult male albino rats were divided equally into five groups: Group I (control group). Group II (WGO group): received WGO by oral gavage once daily for 3 successive days. Group III (AP group): received double IP injection of L-arginine with 1 h interval. Group IV (protection group): received WGO as group II, followed by Larginine injection as group III. Group V (therapeutic group): received L-arginine followed by WGO. Blood samples were taken for biochemical assessment of serum lipase to confirm induction of AP. At the end of the experiment, animals were sacrificed and specimens from head of the pancreas were taken and prepared for light, electron microscopic examinations and ELISA detection of interleukin-1β. Results: AP and protected groups showed extensive acinar cell damage in the form of loss of basal basophilia, necrotic changes, interstitial edema, severe inflammatory infiltration and hemorrhage. These groups showed statistical significant increase in the mean of pancreatic damage compared to control group (p<0.05). Ultrastructurally, the acinar cells showed dense heterochromatic nuclei with many degraded electron-lucent zymogen granules and swollen, disarranged rER. However, the acini showed significant improvement in the therapeutic group. Conclusion: WGO has a therapeutic not a protective effect on L-arginine-induced AP which might be through its anti-inflammatory effects.