Effects of myeloperoxidase on the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis

Objective To study the relationship between serum MPO levels, cytokine level and severity in acute pancreati-tis (AP) patients and to explore a new therapeutic method.Methods Forty three patients with AP (24 patients had mild and 19 had severe pancreatitis) and 18 healthy controls were included in the study.The serum level of MPO and, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α were measured by MPO-EIA and ELISA, respectively on days 1, 2, 3, 7, and 14.Results The MPO level was positively correlated with the levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α) in AP pa-tients.The highest level of MPO in patients with severe AP was observed at the first day and decreased at the third day.Administration of pentoxifylline significantly reduced the blood MPO level.Conclusion The MPO blood level positively correlates with the cytokine levels and the severity of AP.Pentoxifylline therapy may improve severe AP condition.