Abstract
C-C chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), a low-molecular-weight cytokine, is upregulated in inflammation-related diseases. However, the underlying function of CCL2 remains unknown in human appendicitis. The present study aimed to examine the role of CCL2 in appendicitis. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to examine the secretion of CCL2 in the peripheral blood of patients with simple and complex appendicitis, respectively. A flow cytometry assay was used to quantify the level of the CCL2 receptor, CCR2. Moreover, we constructed an appendicitis model in rabbits. Quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were used to determine CCL2 and CCR2 levels in the appendicitis model. CCL2 antibodies were used to silence the endogenous activity of CCL2 in vivo. Magnetic resonance imaging and a histopathology assay were used to examine the appendicitis-induced injury in rabbits. Our results suggested that CCL2 and its main receptor CCR2 were upregulated in patients with appendicitis, particularly those with complex appendicitis (gangrenous and perforated appendicitis). Moreover, CCL2 silencing alleviated the appendicitis-induced injury in rabbits. Our findings not only illustrate the potential value of CCL2 as a biomarker in appendicitis diagnosing but also provide novel insight into appendicitis treatment.