Glycine maintains mitochondrial activity and bile composition following warm liver ischemia-reperfusion injury

Background and Aim: Experimental studies have shown protective effect by the non‐essential amino acid glycine to liver ischemia‐reperfusion (I/R) injury but the mechanism of action is unknown. Methods: A rabbit model of hepatic lobar I/R was used. Three groups of animals (n = 6) were studied: Sham group (laparotomy alone), ischemia reperfusion (I/R) group (1 h of liver lobar ischemia and 6 h of reperfusion), and a glycine I/R group (intravenous glycine 5 mg/kg prior to the I/R protocol). Systemic and hepatic hemodynamics, degree of liver injury (bile flow, transaminases), hepatic microcirculation, mitochondrial activity (redox state of cytochrome oxidase), bile composition and cytokines (tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐8) were measured during the experiment. Results: Glycine administration increased portal blood flow, bile production, hepatic microcirculation and maintained cytochrome oxidase activity as compared with the I/R group during reperfusion. Glycine also reduced bile lactate surge and stimulated acetoacetate release in bile during reperfusion versus the I/R group. Cytokine levels (tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐8) and hepatocellular injury (aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase) were significantly reduced by glycine administration. Conclusion: Intravenous glycine administration reduces liver warm I/R injury by reducing the systemic inflammatory response, and maintaining cellular energy production.     

Proteomic identification of proteins differentially expressed by melatonin in hepatic ischemia‐reperfusion injury

Abstract: Hepatic ischemia‐reperfusion (I‐R) injury induces hepatic dysfunction or failure. Melatonin is a potent free radical scavenger and a strong antioxidant. Although many studies have demonstrated the protective effect of melatonin in hepatic injury, the molecular mechanisms of this protection are unclear. We identified specific proteins that are differentially expressed by melatonin treatment in hepatic I‐R injury. Adult mice were subjected to 1 hr of ischemia and 3 hr of reperfusion. Animals were treated with vehicle or melatonin (10 mg/kg, i.p.) 15 min prior to ischemia and just before reperfusion. Serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels were higher in I‐R group than in sham‐operated group, and these increases were reduced by melatonin treatment. Proteins that were differentially expressed following melatonin treatment during hepatic I‐R injury were detected using two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis. Hepatic I‐R injury induced down‐regulation of glyoxalase I, glutaredoxin‐3, spermidine synthase, proteasome subunit beta type‐4, and dynamin like protein‐1 (DLP‐1). However, melatonin prevented the reductions in these proteins induced by I‐R injury. Among the identified proteins, we focused on DLP‐1, which is essential for the maintenance of mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum morphology. Western blot analysis confirmed that melatonin prevents the hepatic I‐R injury‐induced decrease in DLP‐1. These results suggest that melatonin protects hepatic cells against hepatic I‐R injury and that its protective effects involve the regulation of specific proteins.     

Protective effect of curcumin against liver warm ischemia/reperfusion injury in rat model is associated with regulation of heat shock protein and antioxidant enzymes

AIM： To investigate the hypothesis that the protective effects of curcumin in hepatic warm ischemia/reperfusion （I/R） injury are associated with increasing heat shock protein 70 （Hsp70） expression and antioxidant enzyme activity. METHODS： Sixty Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly divided into sham, I/R, C ＋ I/R groups. The model of reduced-size liver warm ischemia and reperfusion was used. Curcumin （50 mg/kg） was administered by injection through a branch of superior mesenteric vein at 30 min before ischemia in C ＋ I/R group. Five rats were used to investigate the survival during 1 wk after operation in each group. Blood samples and liver tissues were obtained in the remaining animals after 3, 12, and 24 h of reperfusion to assess serum alanine aminotransferase （ALT）, aspartate aminotransferase （AST）, liver tissue NO2- ＋ NO3-, malondialdehyde （MDA） content, superoxide dismutase （SOD）, catalase （CAT）, nitricoxide synthase （NOS） and myeloperoxidase （MPO） activity, HspT0 expression and apoptosis ratio. RESULTS： Compared with I/R group, curcumin pretreatment group showed less ischemia/reperfusioninduced injury. CAT and SOD activity and Hsp70 expression increased significantly. A higher rate of apoptosis was observed in I/R group than in C ＋ I/R group, and a significant increase of MDA, NO2^- ＋ NO3^- and MPO level in liver tissues and serum transaminase concentration was also observed in I/R group compared to C ＋ I/R group. Curcumin also decreased the activity of inducible NO synthase （iNOS） in liver after reperfusion,but had no effect on the level of endothelial NO synthase （eNOS） after reperfusion in liver. The 7 d survival rate was significantly higher in C ＋ I/R group than in I/R group. CONCLUSION： Curcumin has protective effects against hepatic I/R injury. Its mechanism might be related to the overexpression of Hsp70 and antioxidant enzymes.     

Effects of ozone oxidative preconditioning on nitric oxide generation and cellular redox balance in a rat model of hepatic ischaemia-reperfusion.

BACKGROUND: Many studies indicate that oxygen free-radical formation after reoxygenation of liver may initiate the cascade of hepatocellular injury. It has been demonstrated that controlled ozone administration may promote an oxidative preconditioning or adaptation to oxidative stress, preventing the damage induced by reactive oxygen species and protecting against liver ischaemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. AIMS: In the present study, the effects of ozone oxidative preconditioning (OzoneOP) on nitric oxide (NO) generation and the cellular redox balance have been studied. Methods: Six groups of rats were classified as follows: (1). sham-operated; (2). sham-operated+l-NAME (N(omega)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester); (3). I/R (ischaemia 90 min-reperfusion 90 min); (4). OzoneOP+I/R; (5). OzoneOP+l-NAME+I/R; and (6). l-NAME+I/R. The following parameters were measured: plasma transaminases (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase) as an index of hepatocellular injury; in homogenates of hepatic tissue: nitrate/nitrite as an index of NO production; superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione levels as markers of endogenous antioxidant system; and finally malondialdehyde+4-hydroxyalkenals (MDA+4-HDA) and total hydroperoxides (TH) as indicators of oxidative stress. Results: A correspondence between liver damage and the increase of NO, CAT, TH, glutathione and MDA+4-HDA concentrations were observed just as a decrease of SOD activity. OzoneOP prevented and attenuated hepatic damage in I/R and OzoneOP+l-NAME+I/R, respectively, in close relation with the above-mentioned parameters. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that OzoneOP protected against liver I/R injury through mechanisms that promote a regulation of endogenous NO concentrations and maintenance of cellular redox balance. Ozone treatment may have important clinical implications, particularly in view of the increasing hepatic transplantation programs.     

Amelioration of hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury in the remnant liver after partial hepatectomy in rats

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Reactive oxygen species have been implicated in the development of hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. I/R injury remains an important problem in massive hepatectomy and organ transplantation. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of edaravone, a newly synthesized free radical scavenger, on I/R injury in the remnant liver after partial hepatectomy in rats. METHODS: Partial (70%) hepatic ischemia was induced in rats by occluding the hepatic artery, portal vein, and bile duct to left and median lobes of liver. Total hepatic ischemia (Pringle maneuver) was induced by occluding the hepatoduodenal ligament. Edaravone was intravenously administered to rats just before reperfusion and partial (70%) hepatectomy was performed just after reperfusion. RESULTS: Edaravone significantly reduced the increases in the levels of serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase in rats with liver injury induced by 90-min of partial ischemia followed by 120-min of reperfusion. Histopathological analysis showed that edaravone prevented inflammatory changes in the livers with I/R injury. Edaravone also decreased the levels of myeloperoxidase activity, which is an index of neutrophil infiltration, and interleukin-6 mRNA, which is a proinflammatory cytokine. Additionally, edaravone improved the survival rate in partial hepatectomy rats with I/R injury induced by the Pringle maneuver. CONCLUSIONS: Edaravone administration prior to reperfusion protected the liver against I/R injury. Edaravone also improved the function of the remnant liver with I/R injury after partial hepatectomy. Therefore, edaravone may have applicability for major hepatectomy and liver transplantation in the clinical setting.     

Post-ischemic intraportal adenosine administration protects against reperfusion injury of canine liver

Although adenosine has been postulated to inhibit ischemia‐reperfusion injury in various tissues, its in vivo cytoprotective mechanism is not fully known. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of intraportally infused adenosine on reperfusion injury in the canine liver. Two h ischemia and reperfusion of the liver were induced in beagle dogs by clamping the portal triad. Either adenosine or saline was infused in the portal vein after reperfusion for 60 min. Levels of serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase and the survival of animals were examined. Hepatic levels of protein carbonyls and glutathione were also measured, as markers of oxidative stress. One h after reperfusion, the liver was perfused with nitroblue tetrazolium and the formation of formazan was observed to evaluate superoxide formation. Twenty‐four h after reperfusion, 100% of animals in the adenosine group and 33% of animals in the control group survived. Adenosine significantly decreased the reperfusion‐induced increase in serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase. Adenosine also suppressed the formation of protein carbonyls and the decrease in glutathione levels. Histologically, neutrophil infiltration, superoxide formation, and apoptosis were decreased by adenosine. These results suggest that intraportally infused adenosine attenuates reperfusion injury of the liver, presumably by suppressing the activation of neutrophils and oxidative stress.     

Nigella sativa relieves the deleterious effects of ischemia reperfusion injury on liver

AIM： To determine whether Nigella sativa prevents hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury to the liver. METHODS： Thirty rats were divided into three groups as sham （Group 1）, control （Group 2）, and Nigella sativa （NS） treatment group （Group 3）. All rats underwent hepatic ischemia for 45 min followed by 60 min period of reperfusion. Rats were intraperitoneally infused with only 0.9% saline solution in group 2. Rats in group 3 received NS （0.2 mL/kg） intraperitoneally, before ischemia and before reperfusion. Blood samples and liver tissues were harvested from the rats, and then the rats were sacrifi ced. Serum aspartate aminotransferase （AST）, alanine aminotransferase （ALT）, and lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） levels were determined. Total antioxidant capacity （TAC）, catalase （CAT）, total oxidative status （TOS）, oxidative stress index （OSI） and my-eloperoxidase （MPO） in hepatic tissue were measured. Also liver tissue histopathology was evaluated by light microscopy. RESULTS： The levels of liver enzymes in group 3 weresignifi cantly lower than those in the group 2. TAC in liver tissue was significantly higher in group 3 than in group 2. TOS, OSI and MPO in hepatic tissue were signifi cantly lower in group 3 than the group 2. Histological tissue damage was milder in the NS treatment group than that in the control group. CONCLUSION： Our results suggest that Nigella sativa treatment protects the rat liver against to hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury.     

An insight into the protection of rat liver against ischemia/reperfusion injury by 2-selenium-bridged β-cyclodextrin

Aim:  The reperfusion following liver ischemia results in the damage and apoptosis of hepatocytes. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible effects and mechanism of a new synthesized glutathione peroxidase (GPX) mimic, 2-selenium-bridged β-cyclodextrin (2-SeCD), on rat liver ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury.
Methods:  Male Wistar rats ( n  = 32) were randomly divided into four groups: I. sham-operated group, II. I/R group, III. I/R +2-SeCD group, IV. I/R + Ebselen group. Hepatic I/R was administered by 90 min of ischemia and 12 h of reperfusion. Liver tissues were collected at the end of reperfusion period for measurement of various biochemical parameters.
Results:  The serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity and tissue malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase levels were increased in I/R group, while the increase was significantly reduced by 2-SeCD treatment. The glutathione level, depressed by I/R, was elevated back to normal levels by treatment with 2-SeCD. Severe hepatic damage were observed by light and transmission electron microscopy whilst pretreatment with 2-SeCD resulted in tissue and cellular preservation. Furthermore, 2-SeCD reduced cytochrome c release from mitochondria and subsequent DNA fragmentation by regulating Bcl-2/Bax expression ratio. Results suggested that 2-SeCD was more effective than ebselen in the reversal of the alteration in tissue structural and biochemical parameters caused by I/R injury.
Conclusion:  2-selenium-bridged β-cyclodextrin playes an important role in the protection of liver against I/R injury and this treatment may be a novel pharmacological agent for liver surgery.     

Protective effects of resveratrol on small intestines against intestinal ischemia–reperfusion injury in rats

Background and Aim:  The aim of this study was to determine whether resveratrol could prevent intestinal tissue injury induced by ischemia–reperfusion (I/R).
Methods:  Intestinal I/R was induced in rats' intestines by 60-min occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery, followed by a 60-min reperfusion. Thirty rats were divided into three groups as follows: sham (group 1), control (group 2), and the treatment groups (group 3). The rats in the treatment group received resveratrol both before ischemia and before reperfusion. In all groups, serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase levels were determined. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase, total oxidative status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in the intestinal tissue were measured. Intestinal tissue histopathology was also evaluated by light microscopy.
Results:  The levels of liver enzymes in group 3 were significantly lower than those in group 2 ( P  < 0.05). TAC in the intestinal tissue was significantly higher in group 3 than in group 2 ( P  < 0.05). TOS, OSI, and MPO in the intestinal tissue were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2 ( P  < 0.05 for all). Histological tissue damage was milder in the resveratrol treatment group than in the control group.
Conclusions:  The results of this study indicated that resveratrol treatment limits the oxidative injury of the small intestine induced by I/R in rats. However, more precise investigations are required to evaluate the antioxidative effect of resveratrol on small intestine tissue damage in clinical and experimental models.     

Prophylaxis with carnosol attenuates liver injury induced by intestinal ischemia/reperfusion

AIM： To investigate the possible protective effects of carnosol on liver injury induced by intestinal ischemia reperfusion （I/R）.
METHODS： Rats were divided randomly into three experimental groups： sham, intestinal I/R and carnosol treatment （n = 18 each）. The intestinal I/R model was established by clamping the superior mesenteric artery for 1 h. In the carnosol treatment group, surgery was performed as in the intestinal I/R group, with intraperitoneal administration of 3 mg/kg carnosol 1 h before the operation. At 2, 4 and 6 h after reperfusion, rats were killed and blood, intestine and liver tissue samples were obtained. Intestine and liver histology was investigated. Serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase （AST）, alanine aminotransferase （ALT） and interleukin （IL）-6 were measured. Liver tissue superoxide dismutase （SOD） and myeloperoxidase （IvIPO） activity were assayed. The liver intercellular adhesion molecule-1 （ICAM-1） and nuclear factor κB （NF-κB） were determined by immunohistochemical analysis and western blot analysis.
RESULTS： Intestinal I/R induced intestine and liver injury, characterized by histological changes, as well as a significant increase in serum AST and ALT levels. The activity of SOD in the liver tissue decreased after I/R, which was enhanced by carnosol pretreatment. In addition, compared with the control group, carnosol markedly reduced liver tissue MPO activity and serum IL-6 level, which was in parallel with the decreased level of liver ICAI-1 and NF-κB expression.
CONCLUSION： Our results indicate that carnosol pretreatment attenuates liver injury induced by intestinal I/R, attributable to the antioxidant effect and inhibition of the NF-κB pathway.     

NF-kB在大鼠肝缺血再灌注损伤中的活化及意义

目的探讨NFkB在肝缺血再灌注损伤过程中的作用。方法选择健康雌性Wistar大鼠24只,随机分为手术对照组,肝缺血90min组,肝缺血90min/再灌注120min组,每组8只。常规方法观察肝脏组织学改变,检测血清酶学水平和肝组织中髓过氧化物酶(MPO)含量,采用sABC免疫组织化学方法测定肝组织中NFkB的活化程度。结果手术对照组肝组织形态正常,无NFkB活化,肝功能酶学和MPO正常水平;缺血组动物肝细胞索排列紊乱,肝小叶变形,肝细胞和内皮细胞普遍水肿变性,NFkB呈中重度活化,血清酶学和MPO水平升高(P<0.01);肝缺血/再灌注组肝组织在缺血组改变基础上合并中央区局灶性肝细胞坏死,血窦内微血栓形成,汇管区中性粒细胞浸润,NFkB活化最为明显,血清酶学和MPO升高最为显著(P<0.01)。结论肝缺血再灌注时,NFkB被活化,使中性粒细胞组织浸润,对肝脏缺血再灌注损伤病理过程起到重要的作用。     

Splenectomy ameliorates hepatic ischemia and reperfusion injury mediated by heme oxygenase-1 induction in the rat

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) induces severe organic injury. I/R injury seems to be mainly caused by oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to determine the role of the spleen in experimental hepatic I/R injury in the rat. Stress protein heme oxygenase (HO)-1 plays a protective role against the oxidative injury. In normal state, HO-1 is highly expressed in the spleen. METHODS: Liver HO-1 expression was assessed by Western blot before and after splenects. Liver injury was assessed by measurement of ALT and AST and by histopathology. RESULTS: Although HO-1 was not detected in normal liver, levels of HO-1 protein gradually increased and peaked on 3 days after splenectomy. When splenectomy was performed 3 days prior to the hepatic (45-min) ischemia followed by (2-h) reperfusion, the levels of serum aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT), as markers for hepatic injury, were improved compared to the rats with I/R alone. In addition, prior administration of zinc-protoporphyrin IX, a specific inhibitor of HO, suppressed the protective effect of the splenectomy on the subsequent hepatic I/R injury. Histopathological examination also confirmed these results. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the elevated HO-1 levels by splenectomy play a protective role against hepatic I/R injury.     

Donor graft adenoviral iNOS gene transfer ameliorates rat liver transplant preservation injury and improves survival

The exact role of inducible NOS (iNOS) in liver ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is controversial. This study was designed to investigate whether donor liver pretreatment with adenovirus encoding iNOS (AdiNOS) ameliorates I/R injury associated with liver transplantation. Orthotopic syngeneic LEW rat liver transplantation (OLT) was performed after 18 or 24 hours' preservation in cold UW. AdiNOS or control gene vector (AdLacZ) was delivered to the liver by donor intravenous pretreatment 4 days before graft harvesting. Uninfected grafts also served as control. Recipients were sacrificed 1 to 48 hours posttransplantation. An abundant hepatic iNOS protein expression and marked serum NO elevation was observed in the AdiNOS-treated group, without affecting endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression, before harvesting and after OLT. AdiNOS pretreatment markedly improved liver function assessed by serum aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase levels and reduced liver necrosis formation. AdiNOS treatment also was associated with reduced ICAM-1 mRNA expression and neutrophil accumulation in the liver graft after OLT compared with untransfected or AdLacZ-treated group. Furthermore, AdiNOS delivery significantly improved transplant survival, compared with AdLacZ or saline controls. AdiNOS pretreatment did not attenuate I/R-induced apoptotic cell death in the liver graft. Administration of a selective inhibitor for iNOS abrogated the protection afforded by AdiNOS pretreatment. In conclusion, donor pretreatment with AdiNOS led to improved liver graft injury and posttransplantation survival. Downregulation of ICAM-1 mRNA and neutrophil infiltration may be associated with the mechanisms by which AdiNOS pretreatment confer the protection against transplant-associated hepatic I/R injury.     

The protective effect of erythropoietin on ischaemia/reperfusion injury of liver

BackgroundBesides its haematopoietic effect, erythropoietin (EPO) has multiple protective effects, i.e. antiapoptotic, antioxidant and angiogenic properties. The neuroprotective effects of EPO against ischaemia have all been demonstrated in cell culture and animal models. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of erythropoietin on ischaemia-reperfusion injury (I/R injury) of the liver.MethodsForty-eight adult male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 250–300 g were divided into three groups: group I, hepatic ischaemia-reperfusion (Hepatic I/R); group II, hepatic ischaemia-reperfusion + EPO (Hepatic I/R+ EPO); group III, sham. Hepatic ischaemia was created by placing a microvascular clamp on the hepatic pedicle for 45 minutes. EPO was given to group II at a dose of 1000 U/kg 120 minutes before the onset of the ischaemia. Blood samples and liver tissues were obtained after 45 minutes of reperfusion from half of the rats in each group. The remaining rats were killed after a 24-hour observation period and blood and tissue samples were obtained. Blood alanine aminotransferase, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-2 (IL-2) and liver tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were determined. Liver tissue histopathology was also evaluated by light microscopy.ResultsIn rats with hepatic ischaemia, serum levels of ALT, TNF-α, IL-2 and liver tissue levels of MDA were reduced by the administration of erythropoietin and the histopathological score was also less severe.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that pre-ischaemic administration of EPO has protective effects on hepatic I/R injury.     

Protective effects of apocynin and allopurinol on ischemia/reperfusion-induced liver injury in mice

AIM： To determine the effects of allopurinol, an inhibitor of xanthine oxidase, and apocynin, an inhibitor of NADPH oxidase, on oxidant stress and liver injury caused by hepatic ischemia/reperfusion （I/R） procedure in mice.
METHODS： Mice were pretreated with a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, allopurinol, or NADPH oxidase （NOX） inhibitor, apocynin before the hepatic I/R procedure. Then treated or untreated mice underwent the hepatic I/R procedure. The effects on hepatic injury and superoxide anions were determined after starting reperfusion.
RESULTS： A standard warm hepatic I/R procedure led to a marked increase in superoxide anion production as indicated by a superoxide anion tracer, MCLA. At the same time, the procedure caused profound acute liver injury, as indicated by elevated serum alanine aminotransferase and tumor necrosis factor-α levels, reduced liver glutathione levels and elevated malondialdehyde contents, as well as a high apoptotic cell count. All these changes were reversed by the use of apocynin or allopurinol prior to the hepatic I/R procedure.
CONCLUSION： Allopurinol and apocynin exerted protective effects on hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury. The protection is associated with blocking the generationof superoxide anions during the hepatic I/R procedure by inhibiting xanthine oxidase and NADPH oxidase activity.     

Melatonin ameliorates oxidative organ damage induced by acute intra-abdominal compartment syndrome in rats

Acutely increased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) can lead to multiple organ failure. As blood flow to intra-abdominal organs is reduced by high venous resistance, ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury plays an important role in the pathogenesis of abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) following IAP. Melatonin, a secretory product of the pineal gland, is known to have free radical scavenging and antioxidative properties in several oxidative processes. The objective of this study was to examine the potential protective properties of melatonin on the oxidative organ damage in a rat model of ACS. Under ketamine anesthesia, an arterial catheter was inserted intraperioneally (i.p.) and using an aneroid manometer connected to the catheter, IAP was kept at 20 mmHg (ischemia group; I) for 1 hr. In the ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) group, pressure applied for an hour was decompressed and a 1-hr reperfusion period was allowed. In another IR group, melatonin was administered (10 mg/kg, i.p.) immediately before the decompression of IAP. The results demonstrate that tissue levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and myeloperoxidase activity (MPO; index of tissue neutrophil infiltration) were elevated, while glutathione (GSH; a key to antioxidant) levels were reduced in both I and I/R groups (P < 0.05-0.001). Melatonin treatment in I/R rats reversed these changes (P < 0.01-0.001). Moreover, melatonin given to the I/R group reduced the elevations in serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and blood urea nitrogen levels and abolished the increase in serum creatinine levels. Our results indicate that melatonin, because of antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties, ameliorates reperfusion-induced oxidative organ damage. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that the therapeutic value of melatonin as a 'reperfusion injury-limiting' agent must be considered in ACS.     

Interaction of L-arginine-methyl ester and Sonic hedgehog in liver ischemia-reperfusion injury in the rats

AIM： To investigate the role of Sonic hedgehog （Shh） on the course of liver ischemia and reperfusion （I/R） in rats, and the interaction between treatment with nitric oxide donor L-Arginine-methyl ester （L-Arg） and up-regulation of Shh expression.
METHODS： A total of 30 male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 220-240 g were used in this study. Shamcontrol group （G1, n = 10）： a sham operation was performed （except for liver I/R）. I/R-untreated group （G2, n = 10）： rats underwent liver ischemia for 1 h followed by reperfusion for 45 min. I/R-L-Arg group （G3, n = 10）： after performing the same surgical procedure as in group 2, animals were treated with L-Arg. Liver tissues were taken for determination of malondialdehyde （MDA） levels, and biochemical and histological evaluations were made.
RESULTS： Plasma alanine aminotransferase （ALT）, aspartate aminotransferase （AS-T）, lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） and T-glutamyltranspeptidase （GGT） activities were higher in group 2 than in group 3. MDA values and the hepatic injury score decreased in the L-Arg treated group compared to the I/R-untreated group. In group 2, the hepatoo/tes were swollen with marked vacuolization. Group 3 rats showed well-preserved liver parenchyma, with hepatocytes extending from the central vein. The morphology of the hepatocytes and the sinusoidal structures was normal, without any signs of congestion. Mild Shh positive immunostaining was detected in group 2 animals. The expression of immunoreactive cells was increased markedly in liver tissue from I/R-L-Arg rats.
CONCLUSION： Our findings suggest that Shh molecules are critical factors in the pathophysiology of inflammatory liver injury induced by I/R. In addition, NO plays an important role in the immunohistochemical expression of these molecules.     

Resveratrol attenuates oxidative stress and histological alterations induced by liver ischemia/reperfusion in rats

AIM： To investigate the effects of resveratrol on liver ischemia/reperfusion （I/R） injury in rats. METHODS： A total of 40 male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 240-290 g were randomized into four groups of ten： （1） controls： data from unmanipulated animals; （2） sham group： rats subjected to the surgical procedure, except for liver I/R, and given saline; （3） I/R group： rats underwent liver ischemia for 45 rain followed by reperfusion for 45 rain; （4） I-R/Resveratrol group： rats pretreated with resveratrol （10 umol/L, iv）. Liver tissues were obtained to determine antioxidant enzyme levels and for biochemical and histological evaluation. RESULTS： Plasma aminotransferase activities were higher in the I/R group than in the I-R/Resveratrol group. Malondialdehyde levels and the hepatic injury score decreased, while superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase levels increased in group 4 compared to group 3. In group 4, histopathological changes were significantly attenuated in resveratroltreated livers. CONCLUSION： These results suggest that resveratrol has protective effects against hepatic I/R injury, and is a potential therapeutic drug for ischemia reperfusionrelated liver injury.     

Melatonin prevents hepatic injury-induced decrease in Akt downstream targets phosphorylations

Melatonin is a potent scavenger of reactive oxygen species and a strong antioxidant. Melatonin exerts protective effects against damage by the enhancing the Akt signal pathway, thus regulating apoptotic cell death. Akt phosphorylates pro-apoptotic proteins such as Bad and FoxO1 and inhibits the pro-apoptotic functions of these proteins. This study investigated the protective effects of melatonin through Akt and its downstream targets, Bad and FoxO1, in hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) damage. Adult mice were subjected to 1 h of hepatic ischemia and 3 h of reperfusion. Hepatic ischemia was induced by occlusions of the hepatic artery, portal vein, and bile duct. Melatonin (10 mg/kg, i.p.) or vehicle was administrated 15 min prior to ischemia and just before reperfusion. Serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels were higher in I/R group than in sham-operated group. Melatonin attenuated increases in these levels. Moreover, melatonin attenuates injury-induced increases in positive TUNEL staining in hepatic tissues. Hepatic I/R injury induced reductions in the Akt up-stream target, PDK1 phosphorylation. The levels of phospho-Akt, phospho-Bad, and phospho-FoxO1 were decreased in vehicle-treated animals. However, melatonin prevented hepatic I/R injury-induced decreases in these proteins levels. Moreover, the interaction levels between phospho-Bad and 14-3-3 and between phospho-FoxO1 and 14-3-3 are reduced in vehicle-treated animals, and melatonin attenuated decreases in the binding levels of these proteins. 14-3-3 exerts an anti-apoptotic function by sequestration of Bad and FoxO1. These findings suggest that melatonin exerts protective effects in case of hepatic I/R damage by maintaining the binding of phospho-Bad and 14-3-3 and the binding of phospho-FoxO1 and 14-3-3, thus preventing activation of apoptotic cell death.