The Protective Effect of Aprotinin and ?-Tocopherol on Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury of the Rat Liver

PubMed ID: 18261548Background: Liver injury caused by ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) processes is a complication of hepatic resection surgery and transplantation, particularly using grafts from marginal donors. Despite improvements in organ preservation and advances in surgical techniques, I/R injury remains a significant clinical problem. In this study, we investigated whether aprotinin provided protection against the adverse effects of I/R injury in liver tissue. Methods: Forty rats were randomized into four groups (n = 10): group I: (control group) I/R + no medication; group II: sham-operated group + no medication or I/R; group III: I/R + aprotinin; group IV: I/R + ?-tocopherol. Malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured in the liver tissue and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), as well as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in rat serum. Results: Administration of aprotinin and ?-tocopherol before I/R resulted in significant reductions of MDA levels compared to the I/R alone group (group I; P = .01 and P < .01, respectively). Administration of aprotinin or ?-tocopherol prior to I/R resulted in significant increases in SOD and CAT levels compared with the I/R group (P < .05 each). Compared to the I/R group, significant decreases in plasma AST, ALT, and LDH levels were observed both in the aprotinin and in the ?-tocopherol group (P < .05). Histological evaluation revealed the injury grade to be relatively lower among groups III and IV compared to group I. Discussion: In conclusion, rat hepatic structures in aprotinin and ?-tocopherol administered groups were well protected. Therefore, aprotinin may provide protection against the adverse effects of I/R injury in liver transplantation. © 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved