Heme oxygenase 1 expression in postischemic reperfusion liver damage: effect of L-arginine.
Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a multifactorial process that affects liver function after transplantation and resectional surgery. Alterations in hepatic microcirculation and decreased hepatic flow can cause local hypoxia and consequently liver damage, which is worsened by reperfusion. The aim of this study was to evaluate if treatment with L-arginine improved hepatic function in rats with I/R injury. Animals were treated with L-arginine, ischemized for 30 min, and reperfused for 3 h. Plasmatic levels of GOT, GPT, lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH), and total thiol groups (RSH) were evaluated. In addition, we analyzed hepatic LOOH and RSH levels, DNA fragmentation, heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) expression, and histological modifications. Our results demonstrate a significant improvement in hepatic function of I/R rats compared to the control group. Treatment with L-arginine increased the expression of HO-1. These data suggest that L-arginine could be useful in preventing oxidative damage during hepatic surgery.
Lanteri
Raffaele
R
Department of Surgical Sciences, Organ Transplantation, and Advanced Technologies, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
Acquaviva
Rosaria
R
Di Giacomo
Claudia
C
Caltabiano
Rosario
R
Li Destri
Giovanni
G
Vanella
Luca
L
Santangelo
Marco
M
Lanzafame
Salvatore
S
Di Cataldo
Antonio
A
D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D001120:Arginine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases / Q000378:metabolism; D053938:DNA Fragmentation; D051547:Heme Oxygenase-1 / Q000378:metabolism*; D008054:Lipid Peroxides / Q000378:metabolism; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D015427:Reperfusion Injury / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology; D013438:Sulfhydryl Compounds / Q000378:metabolism
D008054:Lipid Peroxides; D013438:Sulfhydryl Compounds; D001120:Arginine; D051547:Heme Oxygenase-1; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases; D000410:Alanine Transaminase