Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) Signaling Protects Against Acute Pancreatitis-Induced Damage by Modulating Inflammatory Responses

BACKGROUND: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a symptom of sudden pancreas inflammation, which causes patients severe suffering. In general, fibroblast growth factor (FGF) levels are increased and amylase and lipase activities are elevated during AP pathogenesis, but protein concentration are low. However, the mechanism through which FGF signaling regulates AP pathogenesis remains elusive. MATERIAL/METHODS: The concentrations of PGE2, TNF-α, sCRP, FGF1, and FGF2 in the serum samples of the AP group and healthy control group were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In addition, IκBα and p-IκBα levels were analyzed in the serum samples. Subsequently, the AP rat model was established, and FGF1, FGF2, anti-FGF1, and anti-FGF2 antibodies and Bay11-7082 were injected into AP rats. TNF-α, PAI-1 JNK, p-JNK, IκBα, and p-IκBα levels were also examined. RESULTS: Results showed that levels of PGE2, TNF-α, sCRP, p-IκBα, FGF1, and FGF2, as well as amylase and lipase activity were increased in patients with AP compared with those in healthy people. In addition, protein concentrations were lower in patients with AP than in the healthy group. Activation of FGF signaling by injecting FGF1 or FGF2 also inhibited AP-induced inflammation response in the pancreas and increased amylase and lipase activities, as well as protein concentration. However, the injection of FGF1 and FGF2 antibodies accelerated AP-mediated inflammation responses in the serum. In addition, Bay11-7082 injection inhibited AP activation of inflammation response and amylase and lipase activities. Protein concentration were also increased in AP rats. CONCLUSIONS: FGF signaling protects against AP-mediated damage by inhibition of AP-activating inflammatory responses.