Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Artichoke Leaf Extract on Oxidative Stress and Cytokine Levels in Acute Pancreatitis: An Experimental Study

Background: L-arginine (L-Arg), a precursor of nitric oxide, can induce pancreatic damage at elevated doses due to the generation of free radicals. Artichoke leaf extract, known for its high content of antioxidant compounds, may offer cellular protection by neutralizing these radicals.Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Artichoke leaf extract on oxidative stress and cytokine levels in acute pancreatitis.Methods: This study involved 60 male Wistar rats, which were randomly divided into five groups. The first group received 1 ml/kg body weight (b.w.) of normal saline via intraperitoneal (ip) injection. The second group was administered two ip doses of L-Arg (2 g/kg b.w.) one hour apart on the first day. In the third group, rats received 10 mg/kg b.w. of melatonin ip two hours after the final L-Arg dose. Groups four and five were given oral doses of artichoke extract (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg b.w., respectively) one hour after L-Arg administration, continuing daily. Each group was further subdivided, and animals were euthanized at 24 hours, 72 hours, and 14 days following L-Arg injection. The serum levels of amylase, lipase, TNF-α, IL-10, oxidative stress markers (MDA, TAC, MPO, SOD), and the histopathological characteristics of pancreatic tissue in rats were assessed.Results: Rats in the L-Arg group exhibited significantly elevated serum lipase and amylase levels compared to the control group. Treatment with artichoke extract (both 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg) and melatonin significantly decreased serum lipase levels at all time points (24 hours, 72 hours, and 14 days) and reduced serum amylase levels at 24 hours. Additionally, artichoke extract increased total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in a dose-dependent manner and decreased levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and malondialdehyde, which are markers of oxidative stress. However, no significant differences were observed in the levels of TNF-α and IL-10 among the groups. Histological analysis indicated that artichoke extract treatment reduced pancreatic cell necrosis and interstitial edema compared to the L-Arg group.Conclusion: The methanolic extract of artichoke demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in L-Arg-induced acute pancreatitis in male rats, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for managing this condition.