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Updated: May 4, 2026

Evaluation of Stem Cell Therapies in a Bilateral Patellar Tendon Injury Model in Rats
Published on: March 30, 2018
[Expression of PARP/NF-κB and intervention effect of 5-AIQ/PDTC in SAP rats with adrenal damage]
1Department of Heart and Vascular Center, Beijing Anzhan Hospital Affiliated Capital University of Medicine, Beijing 100029, China.
Objective:
To explore the expression of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase/nuclear factor-κB (PARP/NF-κB) and intervention effect of 5-aminoisoquinolinone/pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (5-AIQ/PDTC) in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) rats with adrenal damage.
Methods:
The primarily cultured adrenocortical cells were quantitatively divided into control group (SO), pancreatitis group (SAP), PDTC drug control group (SO+PDTC), PDTC intervention group (SAP+PDTC), 5-AIQ drug control group (SO+ 5-AIQ) and 5-AIQ intervention group (SAP+5-AIQ). The SAP and 2 intervention groups were stimulated with the sera of SAP rats. Then corresponding drugs were added and culture continued for 12 hours. The corticosterone levels and PARP/NF-κB expression were observed for each group.
Results:
Adrenal cells in vitro cultured were round or oval, had secretory granules and could be stained by 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase antibody. The adherence rate was 60% after 48-hour culturing. The corticosterone level of SAP group was significantly lower than that of SO group [ (216.4 ± 15.7) vs (294.8 ± 16.3) µg/L, P < 0.05]. The 2 intervention groups were (258.6 ± 19.0) and (264.3 ± 18.2) µg/L respectively. These two values were higher than those of SAP group (P < 0.05), but lower than those of SO group (P < 0.05). With regards to the expression of PARP-1, the SAP and PDTC intervention groups were higher than SO group while 5-AIQ intervention group was significantly lower than SAP and PDTC intervention groups, but higher than SO and drug control groups. The expression of NF-κB in SAP group was higher than that in SO group. Two intervention groups were lower than SAP group, but higher than SO and drug control groups.
Conclusion:
The pathway of PARP/NF-κB participates in adrenal damage of SAP rats. To a certain extent, the uses of 5-AIQ and PDTC may alleviate adrenal damage.
Insights
Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) in rats damages adrenal glands by activating the poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase/nuclear factor-κB (PARP/NF-κB) pathway. Both 5-aminoisoquinolinone (5-AIQ) and pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) interventions partially alleviated this adrenal damage.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Pathology
Context:
- Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is a critical condition with potential multi-organ involvement.
- Adrenal gland dysfunction can occur in SAP, impacting hormonal balance and patient outcomes.
- The poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase/nuclear factor-κB (PARP/NF-κB) signaling pathway is implicated in inflammatory and cellular stress responses.
Purpose:
- To investigate the role of the PARP/NF-κB pathway in adrenal damage associated with SAP in a rat model.
- To evaluate the therapeutic potential of 5-aminoisoquinolinone (5-AIQ) and pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) in mitigating SAP-induced adrenal injury.
Summary:
- Primary adrenocortical cells from rats were cultured and divided into control, SAP, and intervention groups (treated with 5-AIQ or PDTC).
- SAP significantly reduced corticosterone levels and altered PARP/NF-κB expression compared to controls.
- Both 5-AIQ and PDTC interventions partially restored corticosterone levels and modulated PARP/NF-κB expression, indicating a protective effect against SAP-induced adrenal damage.
Impact:
- This study elucidates the molecular mechanisms underlying adrenal damage in SAP.
- It provides evidence for the potential of 5-AIQ and PDTC as therapeutic agents for adrenal complications in SAP.
- Findings contribute to a better understanding of pancreatitis pathophysiology and adrenal gland response to critical illness.

