Effects of topically applied diclofenac and ketoprofen on prostaglandin E2 and Stat3 sera levels and body temperature in two different acute inflammation models in rats

INTRODUCTION: Cytokines exert biological function through signal transducer and activator of transcription factors. Prostaglandins have function as promotors, where play a key role in generation of the inflammatory response and as ones that solve inflammatory process. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, inhibit prostaglandin synthesis but the existence of additional mechanisms is present. Thus, we aimed to explore effects of topically applied NSAIDs on the levels of PGE2 and Stat3 in the setting of two in vivo induced acute inflammation models. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were randomized into five equal groups: 4 treated and a control group. Diclofenac or ketoprofen patches were applied in two different doses, i.e. equivalent to human therapeutic dose, and three times higher dose. Three hours later either model of inflammation (with 20% yeast, or with 1% carrageenan) was induced. Blood samples were taken 3 hours after and concentration levels of PGE 2 and Stat3 were determined using ELISA. Body temperature was measured at 0. 1(st), 3(rd) and 5(th) hour after inflammation induction and presented in Celsius degrees. Shapiro-Wilk, Leven’s, Welch’s One-Way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis test and adjustment by Bonferroni correction were applied. RESULTS: In both inflammation models, no differences in the mean values of PGE 2 between control, low and high dose groups treated by either diclofenac or ketoprofen were found. In yeast inflammation, the mean value of Stat3 was significantly higher in both dose ketoprofen groups compared to control group. After ketoprofen application, no significant differences in body temperature between groups at hour 0 and 5 in either model of inflammation induced, while at 1(st) hour after carrageenan inflammation, significant differences were found with significantly higher values in low dose ketoprofen group compared to control group. In yeast application, significant differences in body temperature were found at hour 3 after inducing inflammation and post hoc pairwise comparison test revealed significant higher values in low dose ketoprofen group compared to control. CONCLUSION: Elevated Stat3 values post ketoprofen application in yeast model of induced inflammation were detected. Further investigation of cytokine microenvironment as well as the mechanisms of ketoprofen influence on inflammation are needed.