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.