The Effect of Iloprost and N-Acetylcysteine on Skeletal Muscle Injury in an Acute Aortic Ischemia-Reperfusion Model: An Experimental Study

Abstract EN

Objective.

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of iloprost and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injuries to the gastrocnemius muscle, following the occlusion-reperfusion period in the abdominal aorta of rats.

Materials and Methods.

Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four equal groups.

Group 1: control group.

Group 2 (IR): aorta was occluded.

The clamp was removed after 1 hour of ischemia.

Blood samples and muscle tissue specimens were collected following a 2-hour reperfusion period.

Group 3 (IR + iloprost): during a 1-hour ischemia period, iloprost infusion was initiated from the jugular catheter.

During a 2-hour reperfusion period, the iloprost infusion continued.

Group 4 (IR + NAC): similar to the iloprost group.

Findings.

The mean total oxidant status, CK, and LDH levels were highest in Group 2 and lowest in Group 1.

The levels of these parameters in Group 3 and Group 4 were lower compared to Group 2 and higher compared to Group 1 ( P < 0.05 ).

The histopathological examination showed that Group 3 and Group 4, compared to Group 2, had preserved appearance with respect to hemorrhage, necrosis, loss of nuclei, infiltration, and similar parameters.

Conclusion.

Iloprost and NAC are effective against ischemia-reperfusion injury and decrease ischemia-related tissue injury.