Bacterial translocation is downregulated by anti-TNF-α monoclonal antibody administration in rats with cirrhosis and ascites

Background/Aims: TNF-α is involved in the development of bacterial translocation in rats with cirrhosis. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of anti-TNF-α mAb treatment on the incidence of bacterial translocation and systemic infections in rats with cirrhosis and ascites. Methods: Thirty rats with cirrhosis and ascites were randomly assigned to receive two intraperitoneal doses of anti-TNF-α mAb, distilled water or immunoglobulin on days 0 and 4. On day 10, a laparotomy was performed. Results: One out of 11 animals receiving anti-TNF-α mAb treatment, 7 out of 10 of the placebo group (p < 0.01), and 5 out of 9 of the IgG group developed bacterial translocation (p < 0.05). A significantly reduced number of systemic infections were observed in animals receiving anti TNF-α mAb treatment vs animals receiving placebo (p < 0.01). TNF-α in serum at laparotomy in animals receiving anti-TNF-α mAb was higher than that in the rest of groups and was also higher in the overall series of animals showing bacterial translocation. Conclusions: In the experimental model of CCl4-induced rat with cirrhosis and ascitic fluid, anti-TNF-α mAb administration decreases the incidence of bacterial translocation, in a TNF-α/sTNF-α receptor-independent manner, without increasing the risk of systemic infections. © 2006 European Association for the Study of the Liver.