Objective   To investigate the effects of taurine on p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) signaling pathway and pro-inflammatory cytokines

tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in Kupffer cells (KCs) from severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) rats.   Methods   Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into three groups: ① sham operation group (SO)

② SAP group

③ SAP plus taurine group (SAP+Taur). The SAP model was created by retrogressive injection of 5% sodium taurocholate solution through the bili-pancreatic duct. Rats in SAP+taurine group were injected with taurine (3 mmol/L

0.1 ml/100 g) through the vena caudalis at 12 and 24 h before the establishment of SAP model. Rats from each group were sacrificed at 12 and 24 h after sham operation or SAP treatment. The levels of serum transaminase and amylase were detected. Then KCs in each group were isolated. The activities of p38 MAPK and NF-κB DNA in KCs were detected by Western blotting and electrophoretic mobility assay respectively. The levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in the supernatant were determined by ELISA.   Results   In SAP group

the levels of serum transaminase and amylase were significantly higher than those in SO group (P0.01)

but in SAP+Taur group

they were significantly lower than those in SAP group (P0.05). The activities of p38 MAPK and NF-κB in KCs in SAP rats were significantly higher than those in sham operation rats (P0.01). SAP could also enhance the protein expressions of TNF-α and IL-1β in the supernatant (P0.01). These events were significantly inhibited by treatment with taurine.   Conclusion   The inhibited activation of p38MAPK and the down-regulated expression of NF-κB may contribute the inhibitory effect of taurine on the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines

TNF-α and IL-1β. Therefore

taurine may be of potential clinical application for the prevention and treatment of SAP.