Therapeutic Effects of Esomeprazole on Pancreatic and Lung Injury in Acute Pancreatitis: An Experimental Study

Background and Objectives: During acute pancreatitis, leakage of pancreatic enzymes into the gland results in autolysis of the pancreas. The lungs are also involved in this process. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of esomeprazole on damaged pancreatic tissue and affected lung tissue in rats with acute pancreatitis. Materials and Methods: The 24 Wistar-Albino male rats were divided into three groups: Control group (2 mL 0.9% saline solution was given intraperitoneally, n = 8); PCT group (acute pancreatitis was induced and then 2 mL 0.9% saline solution was administered intraperitoneally, n = 8); ESM group (acute pancreatitis was induced and then 10 mg/kg esomeprazole was administered intraperitoneally, n = 8). Then, the lungs and pancreas were completely removed, and blood samples were taken from all rats for histopathological and biochemical examination. Results: Pancreatic edema, vacuolization, necrosis, and inflammation in the PCT group were higher than in the control and ESM groups. Alveolar edema, alveolar distension, alveolar PMNL infiltration, and alveolar wall thickness in the PCT group were higher than in the control and ESM groups. Furthermore, IL-β (F = 40.137, p < 0.001), TNF-α (F = 40.132, p < 0.001), MIP-2 (X² = 19.245, p < 0.001), ICAM-1 (F = 14.312, p < 0.001), NO (F = 25.873, p < 0. 001), amylase (F = 30.333, p < 0.001), and lipase (X² = 16.141, p < 0.001) values measured in serum were different among groups. Pairwise group comparisons revealed that IL-β, TNF-α, MIP-2, and amylase levels in the ESM group were lower than in the PCT group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Esomeprazole could be recommended in clinical practice during acute pancreatitis treatment due to its therapeutic effects on damaged pancreatic and lung tissues secondary to pancreatitis in rats.