Effect of a new synthetic ascorbic acid derivative as a free radical scavenger on the development of acute pancreatitis in mice
Article Abstract:
Pancreatitis is an inflammatory condition involving the pancreas, which is characterized by intense pain, vomiting, and, sometimes, death. The role of a class of compounds known as oxygen free radicals in pancreatitis is becoming better understood. Under normal circumstances, the small amounts of oxygen free radicals that are present in the body are detoxified by free radical scavengers. In disease states (such as pancreatitis), the quantity of oxygen free radicals may overwhelm the free radical scavengers, leading to the formation of toxic compounds. To evaluate the efficacy of a vitamin C (ascorbic acid) analog with free radical scavenger activity (CV 3611) in preventing the development of acute pancreatitis, this condition was induced in mice by feeding them a choline-deficient, ethionine-enriched diet. Mice were given subcutaneous injections of CV 3611, superoxide dismutase (a well characterized free radical scavenger used as a reference compound), or an inactive control injection. The development of pancreatitis was determined by survival following treatment and by pancreatic enzyme levels in the blood (indicative of pancreatic destruction). Treatment with CV 3611 significantly improved survival and decreased blood levels of pancreatic enzymes. Superoxide dismutase had no effect on either survival or enzyme levels. The superiority of CV 3611 may result from its ability to pass through cell membranes and its long half-life in blood and tissues. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Gut
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0017-5749
Year: 1991
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Bacterial DNA activates cell mediated immune response and nitric oxide overproduction in peritoneal macrophages from patients with cirrhosis and ascites
Article Abstract:
The activation of the type I immune response in peritoneal macrophages by the presence of bacterial DNA in patients with cirrhosis and ascites is discussed. Patients with bacterial DNA reported an increased ability of peritoneal macrophages to synthesize nitric oxide and levels of cytokines.
Publication Name: Gut
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0017-5749
Year: 2004
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: Platelets and thrombolytic therapy. Beneficial effects of cholesterol-lowering therapy on the coronary endothelium in patients with coronary artery disease
- Abstracts: Recessive mutations in the causation of human cancer. Endometrial carcinoma in the cancer family syndrome. Results of a screening program for C-cell disease (medullary thyroid cancer and C-cell hyperplasia)
- Abstracts: The prevalence of illicit-drug or alcohol use during pregnancy and discrepancies in mandatory reporting in Pinellas County, Florida
- Abstracts: Seizures and other neurologic sequelae of bacterial meningitis in children
- Abstracts: Mitochondrial myopathy with a defect of mitochondrial-protein transport. part 2 Mitochondrial DNA and disease