Effect of picroside II on hind limb ischemia reperfusion injury in rats

Introduction

Many structural and functional damages are observed in cells and tissues after reperfusion of previously viable ischemic tissues. Acute ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury of lower extremities occurs especially when a temporary cross-clamp is applied to the abdominal aorta during aortic surgery. Research regarding the treatment of I/R injury has been increasing day-by-day. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of picroside II on skeletal muscle of rats experiencing simulated I/R.

Materials and methods

Twenty-four male Wistar albino rats weighing between 210 and 300 g were used in this study. Rats were randomly divided into 4 groups of 6 rats each (control, I/R, control + picroside II, and I/R + picroside II). The infrarenal section of the abdominal aorta was occluded with an atraumatic microvascular clamp in I/R group. The clamp was removed after 120 minutes and reperfusion was provided for a further 120 minutes. Picroside II (10 mg kg⁻¹) was administered intraperitoneally to the animals in control + picroside II and I/R + picroside II groups. At the end of the study, skeletal muscle tissue was obtained for the determination of total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS) levels. Apoptosis was evaluated by TUNEL experiment.

Results

TOS levels were significantly higher in I/R group than that of control and I/R + picroside II groups (P=0.014, P=0.005, respectively). TAS levels were significantly higher in I/R group than that of control and I/R + picroside II groups (P=0.007 P=0.005, respectively). TUNEL assay revealed that picroside II reduced cell necrosis.

Conclusion

The results of this study demonstrated that picroside II plays a critical role to prevent I/R injury. Even though our results were found to be satisfactory, it should be encouraging to those who want to conduct future research on this topic.

Effect of apelin-13 on erythrocyte deformability during ischaemia-reperfusion injury of heart in diabetic rats

OBJECTIVES

Erythrocyte deformability and plasma viscosity are of crucial importance for the perfusion of tissues and organs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of apelin-13 on erythrocyte deformability during IR heart injury in diabetic rats.

METHODS

Eighteen Wistar Albino rats were included in the study after streptozotocin (55 mg/kg) treatment for four weeks of observation for diabetes existence. The animals were randomly assigned to one of five experimental groups. In the Group C, DC (sham-control group) and DCA (sham-control group-apelin-13), the coronary artery was not occluded or re-perfused. In the Group DIR, a branch of the left coronary artery was occluded for 30 minutes followed by 90 minutes of re-perfusion to produce IR. In the Group DIRA, a branch of the left coronary artery was occluded for 30 minutes followed by 90 minutes of re-perfusion to produce IR, and apelin-13 was administrated via 10 µg.kg-1 IP route 30 minutes before ligating the left coronary artery.Deformability measurements were performed in erythrocyte suspensions containing Htc 5% in a PBS buffer.

RESULTS

The deformability index was significantly increased in diabetic rats; however, it was similar in Group DC, DCA and DIRA. It was significantly increased in the Group DIR when compared to the Group C, DIRA, DCA and DC. The relative resistance was increased in IR models.

CONCLUSION

Erythrocyte deformability was decreased in rats having diabetes and IR injury. This injury might lead to further problems in microcirculation. It was shown that apeline-13 may be useful in enhancing the adverse effects of this type of injury (Fig. 1, Ref. 35).

Effects of apelin-13 on myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury in streptozotocine induced diabetic rats

AIM

We want to investigate the protective effects of apelin-13 on myocardial ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

30 Wistar Albino rat were divided into 5 groups (n:6), namely control group (C), diabetes group (D), diabetes+apelin-13 group (DA), diabetes+I/R group (DIR) and diabetes I/R+apelin-13 group (DIR-A). Rats were subjected to 30‑min ischemia and 90‑min reperfusion. Biochemical and histopathological parameters were measured.

RESULTS

Caspase-3 enzyme activity was significantly higher in the DIR group than in the C, DA, and DIR-A groups. The intensity of caspase 3 enzyme activity was significantly higher in the I/R group than in all other groups. Inflammation and vascular dilatation were found significantly higher in the DIR group than in all other groups. Congestion was significantly higher in the DIR group than in the C and D groups. TOS enzyme activity was significantly higher in the DIR group than in the C, DA and DIR-A groups. TAS enzyme activity was significantly lower in the DIR group than in the C and DIR-A groups.

CONCLUSION

We believe that the protective effects of apelin-13 in ischemia-reperfusion injury and its use indications can be demonstrated in detail as long as the findings we have reached in our study are supported by other studies (Tab. 2, Fig. 10, Ref. 43).

Effect of cerium oxide on erythrocyte deformability in rat lower extremity ischemia reperfusion injury

BACKGROUND

Cerium oxide is the oxide form of cerium, which has protective effects in ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury. The purpose of our study was to look into the effects of this rare-earth metal on erythrocyte deformability in rat lower extremity I/R injury model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used 24 Wistar albino rats as subjects in our study. They were divided into 4 groups; randomized control group (group C; n = 6), cerium oxide group 0.5 mg.kg-1, intraperitoneal (group CO; n = 6), I/R group (group I/R; n = 6) and I/R group with cerium oxide 0.5 mg.kg-1 intraperitoneally (group I/R-CO; n = 6). Erythrocyte packs were prepared from heparinized blood samples and deformability measurements were performed.

RESULTS

We obtained similar results from the control and I/R-CO groups (p = 0.158). The results in I/R group were evidently higher than those of the control, CO, and IR-CO groups (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, p = 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

We detected unfavorable effects of I/R on erythrocyte deformability, which may impair blood flow and hence tissue perfusion in infrarenal rat aorta. We also found that cerium oxide had beneficial effects by reversing undesirable effects of I/R. Further studies with larger volume are required to support our promising results (Fig. 1, Ref. 24).

Irisin Protects Against Hind Limb Ischemia Reperfusion Injury

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of irisin in a murine model of hind limb ischemia reperfusion (I/R).

METHODS

The mice were divided into four groups (n = 6 in each group): control, irisin, ischemia reperfusion (I/R), and irisin-ischemia reperfusion (I-I/R). Irisin (0.5 µg.g-1, intraperitoneally [i.p.]) was administered 30 min before the I/R procedure. After 2 h of ischemia and 2.5 h of reperfusion, blood and tissue samples were taken for biochemical and histopathological analysis. The results were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U-tests.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant difference in the total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS) levels in all the groups. The TAS level in the I/R group was significantly lower than that in the control, irisin, and I-I/R groups, whereas the TOS level was significantly higher in the I/R group as compared with that in the other groups. Caspase-3 activity and caspase-8 activity, indicators of inflammation, were significantly higher in the I/R and I-I/R groups as compared with those in the control and irisin groups.

CONCLUSION

Irisin may have protective effects in skeletal muscle ischemia reperfusion injury.

Effect of picroside II on erythrocyte deformability and lipid peroxidation in rats subjected to hind limb ischemia reperfusion injury

BACKGROUND

Ischemia reperfusion injury (I/R) in hind limb is a frequent and important clinical phenomenon. Many structural and functional damages are observed in cells and tissues in these kinds of injuries. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of picroside II on lipid peroxidation and erythrocyte deformability during I/R in rats.

METHODS

Rats were randomly divided into four groups - each containing six animals (sham, I/R, sham + picroside II, and I/R + picroside II). The infrarenal section of the abdominal aorta was occluded with an atraumatic microvascular clamp in I/R groups. The clamp was removed after 120 minutes and reperfusion was provided for a further 120 minutes. Picroside II (10 mg·kg(-1)) was administered intraperitoneally to the animals in the appropriate groups (sham + picroside II, I/R + picroside II groups). All rats were euthanized by intraperitoneal administration of ketamine (100 mg·kg(-1)) and taking blood from the abdominal aorta. Erythrocytes were extracted from heparinized complete blood samples. Buffer (PT) and then erythrocytes (PE) were passed through the filtration system and the changes in pressure were measured to investigate the role of serum malondialdehyde and nitric oxide (NO) in lipid peroxidation and erythrocyte deformability index.

RESULTS

Deformability index was significantly increased in the I/R group compared to groups sham, sham + picroside-II, and I/R + picroside-II (P<0.0001, P<0.0001, and P=0.007). Malondialdehyde (MDA) and NO levels were evaluated. MDA level and NO activity were also higher in the I/R group than in the other groups. Picroside II treatment before hind limb I/R prevented these changes.

CONCLUSION

These results support that deformability of erythrocytes is decreased in I/R injury and picroside II plays a critical role to prevent these alterations. Further experimental and clinical studies are needed to evaluate and clarify the molecular mechanisms of action and clinical importance of these findings.

The Incidence of Atrial Fibrillation after On-Pump Versus Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) in patients undergoing off-pump versus on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).

METHODS

A total of 3,197 consecutive patients (1,816 males, 1,381 females; mean age: 60.8 ± 9.8 years) with preoperative sinus rhythm who underwent CABG at a cardiovascular surgery clinic between November 2009 and March 2014 retrospectively were analyzed. Of the patients, 1,680 underwent on-pump and 1,517 underwent off-pump cardiac surgery. Data, including demographic characteristics, preoperative risk factors, preoperative medications, laboratory test results, postoperative data and complications, and mortality and morbidity rates, were recorded.

RESULTS

According to the multivariate analysis, the type of operation, number of anastomoses, right coronary artery or right coronary posterior descending artery graft, vasopressor therapy (epinephrine, norepinephrine), operation duration, age >60 years, hypertension, length of hospital stay >4 days, and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) were the independent predictors of POAF after CABG. Our study results suggest that on-pump CABG under CPB is correlated with POAF.

CONCLUSION

We recommend using off-pump CABG in select cases to minimize the risk of POAF.

Ultrasound-accelerated catheter-assisted thrombolytic therapy applicatıons in deep vein thrombosis

Background

Ultrasound-accelerated catheter-directed thrombolysis (UCT) increases the invasion of thrombolytic agent into the thrombus using ultrasonic energy, provides less infusion of thrombolytic agent, reduces complication, and post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) development rates. For these reasons, this procedure is a promising method for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Materials and Methods

Patients diagnosed with DVT by ultrasonography (USG) who underwent UCT between May 2013 and August 2014 at Gazi University Hospital Cardiovascular Surgery Clinic were included in the study. The demographic characteristics and postoperative acute and long-term patency rates and deep venous insufficiency rates were evaluated retrospectively to determine the efficacy of the UCT procedure. Patients were classified as acute, subacute, and chronical DVT according to the onset of complaints. The efficacy of the UCT procedure was assessed by Doppler USG performed 6 months and 2 years after the procedure, and patients were re-evaluated for deep venous insufficiency and thrombus findings to determine the relationship between UCT procedure and deep venous insufficiency.

Results

In acute phase, 57.1% (n = 8) complete and 35.7% (n = 5) partial openings were obtained. No complete patency was obtained in any of the subacute patients. However, partial openness rate was 60%. In patients admitted during the chronic period, complete patency was obtained in 20% (n = 8) and partial openings in 60% (n = 3). Although thrombolysis success was not considered as statistically significant, the success rate was numerically higher in the acute phase.

Conclusion

As a result, UCT applications provide thrombolysis especially in acute deep vein thrombosis, preventing deep venous insufficiency and especially post-thrombotic syndrome formation. UCT prevents bleeding complications by keeping thrombolytic amount low and can be used as an endovascular method of high safety in patient population with high bleeding complications such as patients with malignancies.

Effects of N-Acetylcysteine and N-Acetylcysteine Amide on Erythrocyte Deformability and Oxidative Stress in a Rat Model of Lower Extremity Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant which works as a free radical scavenger and antiapoptotic agent. N-acetylcysteine-amide (NACA) is a modified form of NAC containing an amide group instead of a carboxyl group of NAC. Our study aims to investigate the effectiveness of these two substances on erythrocyte deformability and oxidative stress in muscle tissue. Materials and Methods. A total of 24 Wistar albino rats were used in our study. The animals were randomly divided into five groups as control (n: 6), ischemia (n: 6), NAC (n: 6), and NACA (n: 6). In the ischemia, NAC, and NACA groups, 120 min of ischemia and 120 min of reperfusion were achieved by placing nontraumatic vascular clamps across the abdominal aorta. The NAC and NACA groups were administered an injection 30 min before ischemia (100 mg/kg NAC; 100 mg/kg NACA; intravenous). Blood samples were taken from the animals at the end of the ischemic period. The lower extremity gastrocnemius muscle was isolated and stored at -80 degrees to assess the total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) values and was analyzed. Results. The erythrocyte deformability index was found to be statistically significantly lower in rats treated with NAC and NACA before ischemia-reperfusion compared to the groups that received only ischemia-reperfusion. In addition, no statistically significant difference was found between the control group and the NAC and NACA groups. The groups receiving NAC and NACA before ischemia exhibited higher total antioxidative status and lower total oxidative status while the oxidative stress index was also lower. Conclusion. The results of our study demonstrated the protective effects of NAC and NACA on erythrocyte deformability and oxidative damage in skeletal muscle in lower extremity ischemia-reperfusion. NAC and NACA exhibited similar protective effects on oxidative damage and erythrocyte deformability.

Melatonin as a shield against skeletal muscle damage: A study on ischemia-reperfusion injury

We evaluated the protective effects of melatonin against skeletal muscle ischemia-reperfusion injury, a significant cause of skeletal muscle damage. Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury occurs due to a temporary restriction of blood flow (ischemia) followed by its restoration (reperfusion), triggering oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death. Although current treatments are limited, melatonin's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties suggest potential benefits.

METHODS

We studied 30 male mice divided into five groups: control, melatonin control, I/R, melatonin + I/R, and dimethyl sulfoxide control. After the designated treatments, we assessed muscle tissue for antioxidant capacity (total antioxidant status [TAS]), oxidative stress markers (total oxidative status [TOS] and malondialdehyde [MDA]), inflammation (myeloperoxidase [MPO]), and cell death (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling [TUNEL] assay and histological analysis).

RESULTS

Melatonin significantly increased antioxidant capacity (TAS) compared to all other groups. Conversely, oxidative stress (TOS) was significantly lower in the melatonin + I/R group compared to the I/R group alone. Histological analysis revealed greater necrosis, edema, inflammation, and cell death in the I/R group compared to others. Interestingly, the melatonin + I/R group exhibited significantly less damage than the I/R group, highlighting melatonin's protective effect.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that exogenous melatonin effectively reduces oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death in skeletal muscle tissue subjected to I/R injury. These findings suggest that melatonin may be a promising therapeutic agent for mitigating I/R-induced complications in skeletal muscle injury.

Evaluation of the effects of thymoquinone on red blood cell deformability, morphology, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) synthesis in rat lower extremity ischemia-reperfusion injury

BACKGROUND

Erythrocyte deformability refers to the ability of erythrocytes to bend and twist as they pass through capillaries, which is crucial for tissue perfusion. This study aims to investigate the effects of Thymoquinone treatment on erythrocyte deformability in rats subjected to lower extremity ischemia-reperfusion injury.

METHODS

The study was conducted on Wistar albino rats weighing 400-450 g. The rats were randomly divided into five groups: the control group (C), in which no treatment was applied; the group that received dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a solvent; the group subjected to 90 minutes of ischemia followed by 90 minutes of reperfusion in the main femoral artery of the lower extremity (IR); the Thymoquinone control group (TQ-C), in which the effects of Thymoquinone alone were examined; and the group that received intraperitoneal Thymoquinone one hour before the ischemia-reperfusion procedure (IR+TQ). At the end of the procedure, intracardiac blood was collected from the rats, and May-Grunwald and Giemsa (MGG) staining, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and erythrocyte deformability indexes were measured.

RESULTS

The study results showed significant differences. Erythrocyte deformability was statistically significantly improved in the group that received Thymoquinone before ischemia-reperfusion compared to the group subjected to ischemia-reperfusion only. Mor-phological changes in erythrocytes were also statistically significantly better in the IR+TQ group than in the IR group. Immunohisto-chemical eNOS staining revealed that eNOS activity in the IR group was lower than in the IR+TQ group.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates that Thymoquinone treatment administered before ischemia exerts protective effects against erythrocyte deformation and morphological deterioration by increasing eNOS activity.

Evaluation of the effects of rosmarinic acid on red blood cell deformability, morphology, and nitric oxide in rat lower limb skeletal muscle ischemia-reperfusion injury

BACKGROUND

Erythrocyte deformability, the ability of red blood cells to bend and twist as they pass through capillaries, is es-sential for tissue perfusion. This study investigates the effects and underlying mechanisms of rosmarinic acid treatment on erythrocyte deformability in rats subjected to lower limb ischemia-reperfusion injury.

METHODS

The study was conducted on Wistar albino rats weighing 400-450 g. The rats were randomly divided into five groups: the control group with no treatment (C), the group receiving only the solvent dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), the ischemia-reperfusion group (IR) subjected to 90 minutes of ischemia followed by 90 minutes of reperfusion in the femoral artery of the lower limb, the rosmarinic acid control group (RA-C) to assess the effects of rosmarinic acid alone, and the group (IR+RA) in which rosmarinic acid was administered intraperitoneally one hour before the ischemia-reperfusion procedure. At the end of the experiment, intracardiac blood samples were collected. Analyses included May-Grünwald-Giemsa (MGG) staining, measurement of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), erythrocyte deformability indexes, malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels.

RESULTS

Significant findings were observed in the study. Erythrocyte deformability was statistically significantly improved in the group that received rosmarinic acid prior to ischemia-reperfusion compared to the group that underwent ischemia-reperfusion alone. Morphological changes of erythrocytes were also significantly better in the IR+RA group than in the IR group. Immunohistochemical analysis of eNOS staining revealed that eNOS activity was higher in the IR group compared to the IR+RA group. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly elevated in the IR group compared to all other groups. Analysis of superoxide dismutase levels showed that the SOD levels in the IR+RA group were significantly higher than those in the other groups.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that rosmarinic acid treatment administered prior to ischemia provides protective effects against erythrocyte deformation and morphological deterioration. It is suggested that the improvement in deformability may be mediated by increased SOD activity, which reduces reactive oxygen anions, by-products of nitric oxide (NO) production, thereby exerting an antioxidant effect and enhancing the beneficial actions of NO.