UPLC-QTOF-MS characterized, herbal medicine, pancogrit modulates NF-κB and JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathways in cell-based model of TNF-α dependent acute pancreatitis.

Acute pancreatitis develops as a local inflammatory condition of the pancreas due to a wide range of factors including overdose of alcohol or drugs, gall stones, etc. At present, medications based on herbal formulations have gained importance due to their better safety profile. Current study assessed the pharmacological effects of Pancogrit, an herbal medicine, in caerulein and TNF-α-induced in vitro pancreatitis models. A comprehensive evaluation of phytometabolites present in Pancogrit was conducted and 85 phytometabolites were identified through UPLC-QTOF-MS and UPLC-UV. The bioactivity and mode of action of Pancogrit were assessed in caerulein-induced AR42J (rat pancreatic acinar) cells, TNF-α-induced PANC-1 (human pancreatic duct) cells, and NF-κB reporter cells. Pancogrit was found to decrease the elevated amylase and lipase activity in caerulein-induced AR42J cells. It ameliorated the increased ROS levels, IL-6, IL-8 release and NF-κB activity in TNF-α-induced PANC-1 and NF-κB reporter cells. Pancogrit also downregulated IL-6, IL-1β, ICAM-1, and STAT3 gene expression in PANC-1 cells. Moreover, Pancogrit inhibited the protein expression levels of phosphorylated STAT3, phosphorylated and total JAK2 in TNF-α-induced PANC-1 cells. Taken together, Pancogrit is a clinically relevant therapeutic agent for mitigation of pancreatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]