RESUMO
Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome [MODS] occurs in several conditions including acute pancreatitis [AP]. Reactive oxygen species and activation of pro-inflammatory mediators are the main forerunners in development of MODS. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the possible role of meloxicam or/and L-carnitine in L-arginine induced MODS. Rats were allocated randomly into five groups. Control group, MODS was developed by a single dose of L-arginine [250 mg/100g, IP], rats treated with meloxicam [4mg/kg, IP], animals treated with L-carnitine [500mg/kg, IP] and rats treated with both meloxicam and L-carnitine. All treatments were once daily for seven consecutive days and started directly after L-arginine injection. Serum and tissues' samples were prepared for biochemical analysis. Other hepatic or pulmonary tissues were examined histopathologically. L-arginine markedly increased serum level of alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST] and alkaline phosphatase [ALP]. Furthermore, L-arginine significantly increased the hepatic and pulmonary tissues TNF-alpha, MDA and NO content and myeloperoxidase [MPO] activity, while it significantly depleted GSH level. Administration of either meloxicam or L-carnitine significantly ameliorated L-arginine-induced biochemical changes. On the other hand the combined therapy of meloxicam and carnitine has an ameliorative effect which was greater than each drug alone. Treatment with both meloxicam and L-carnitine is more effective than either drug alone. This may be attributed to augmentation of their antioxidant-antiinflamatory effects