Effects of Certolizumab on Cerulein-Induced Acute Pancreatitis in Rats

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of certolizumab, a pegylated monoclonal antibody to tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), on experimentally induced acute pancreatitis.

Methods: Healthy Wistar Albino male rats (n = 36) were randomly divided into 4 groups (9 rats in each group): group 1, control group; group 2, certolizumab group; group 3, cerulein group; and group 4, cerulein + certolizumab group. Acute edematous pancreatitis was induced via intraperitoneal injection of 80-μg/kg cerulein (20 μg/kg, 4 times at 1-hour intervals) in groups 3 and 4. Certolizumab (10 μg) was intraperitoneally administered in groups 2 and 4. Serum levels of amylase, Lipase, TNF-α, and Lactate Dehydrogenase were evaluated. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry of the pancreatic tissue for assessing the activities of malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase, TNF-α, and Caspase-3 were also performed after 72 hours.

Results: Certolizumab treatment significantly decreased the serum levels of amylase, Lipase, and Lactate Dehydrogenase. Histopathological edema, hemorrhage, parenchymal necrosis, and infiltration scores were also decreased, along with a decrease in malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase, TNF-α, and Caspase-3 activities.

Conclusion: This study suggests that certolizumab is a beneficial treatment mode for reducing the severity of acute pancreatitis.