Activity of Ligustrum vulgare L extracts against acute pancreatitis in murine models by regulation of p38 MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways

Pancreatitis is a fatal disease associated with significant mortality and morbidity. At present, no specific treatment is available for pancreatitis and the patients are mainly treated with supportive medication. The need for specific antipancreatitic chemotherapy is an urgent medical obligation. In the current study, protective effects of the methanolic extract of the Ligustrum vulgare berries were investigated in the rat model of acute pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis (AP) was induced in the male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats by cerulein injection. Fruit extract of L. vulgare L extract was prepared using the methanol. Treatment effects of L. vulgare were evaluated in AP rats. Serum levels of lipase, amylase, proinflamatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, TL-1β), lipid peroxidase (LPO), myeloperoxidase (MPO) were determined. Histological changes in the pancreas were assessed. L. vulgare treatment prevented the increase in serum amylase and lipase levels, reduced the disease progression in pancreas, and reduced the serum levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β in AP rats. Moreover, L. vulgare significantly suppressed pancreatic edema, inhibited oxidative damage (MPO activity and SOD activity), and inhibited the expression of NF-κB/p65 and activation (phosphorylation) of the inhibitor of NF-κB (IκBα) and p38 MAPKs. Histological examinations showed that L. vulgare significantly reduced the inflammatory and fibrotic changes. The results indicated the potent pancreato-protective effects of L. vulgare in AP.