Effects Of Compound Glycyrrhizin On The Levels Of Cytokines In The Serum Of Patients With Severe Acute Pancreatitis

Objective Inflammatory response is a major feature and pathogenesis of severeacute pancreatitis. In this study, we are trying to investigate the effects of compoundglycyrrhzin, a compound derived from licorice root extract, on the levels of cytokinesin the serum of patients with SAP, and to observe its efficacy in the treatment of SAPin clinical practice.Methods Forty cases of SAP were randomly divided into control group andglycyrrhzin treatment group. Patients in control group received routine treatment, andPatients in glycyrrhzin group received routine treatment plus compound glycyrrhzintherapy. The inhibitory effects of glycyrrhzin on cytokines were determined bymeasuring the levels of cytokines in serum. ELISA assay was used to measure theconcentrations. To collect the clinical informations, including the time ofdisappearance of clinical symptoms and signs, the gastrointestinal function recovery,the test results recovery and the hospital stay. Simultaneously, APACHEⅡwereassessed. To Compare both groups through these aspects.Results The cytokines in serum were significantly inhibited, the TNF-α、IL-1、IL-6、IL-8levels in glycyrrhzin group were significantly lower than those in controlgroup on the3rd,7th,14th day(P<0.05or P<0.01).The relieving duration of clinicalsymptoms and signs, and the recovery time of gastrointestinal function and the testresults, in glycyrrhzin group were significantly lower than control group(P<0.05orP<0.01). The duration of hospital stay, and the incidence of complications inglycyrrhzin group were also lower(P<0.05or P<0.01). The scores of APACHEⅡinglycyrrhzin group were significantly lower than those in control group on the3rd,7th,14th day(P<0.05or P<0.01). The operation and mortality rate in two groups werenot significant different(P>0.05). Glycyrrhizin may ameliorate inflammation in SAPthrough reducing the concentration of serum cytokines. Conclusions Overall, these findings suggest that compound glycyrrhzin cansignificantly reduce serum cytokines in SAP, quickly alleviate the clinical symptoms,shorten the length of the hospital stay, and reduce complications. It can also protectfunctions of liver, lung and kidney. All these things suggest its therapeutic potential inSAP.