Using a dual metabolomics strategy to investigate the mechanism of intragastric local pancreatic hypothermia in rats with acute pancreatitis

Abstract

Abstract Background Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory disease that causes pancreatic autodigestion, and severe AP (SAP) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Thus, a rapid approach that reverses harmful symptoms when patients with AP arrive at the emergency room is required. Methods We investigated the effect and mechanism of intragastric hypothermia on AP using a dual metabolomics strategy to detect metabolites and metabolic pathways. ELISA and immunohistochemistry with western blotting were used to measure serum amylase levels and cytokine expression, respectively, in sham operation, AP, and acute pancreatitis hypothermia (APH) rat models. Results Compared with the AP group, the APH group exhibited decreased amylase levels and decreased expression of cytokines after surgery. Moreover, 289 differential metabolites and three main metabolic pathways (ascorbate and aldarate metabolism, pentose and glucuronate interconversion, and tryptophan metabolism) were identified in the APH and AP groups. Conclusions Intragastric local hypothermia intervention reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokines and reduced the level of blood amylase and pancreatic pathological damage in rats with AP. This study provides a theoretical reference for the intervention of local hypothermia in the stomach in early pancreatitis.