Leptin Modulates the Inflammatory Response in Acute Pancreatitis

Abstract

(1) Acute pancreatitis in rats and in humans is associated with a marked increase in the plasma level of leptin. (2) The transcriptional upregulation of leptin in the pancreas after induction of pancreatitis indicates that the inflamed pancreas could be the source of local production of leptin. (3) Exogenous leptin protects the pancreas against development of acute CIP in rats and one possible mechanism of action of leptin might be attributed to the activation of nitric oxide pathway.