Melatonin in preservation solutions prevents ischemic injury in rat kidneys.

Transplantation is lifesaving and the most effective treatment for end-stage organ failure. The transplantation success depends on the functional preservation of organs prior to transplantation. Currently, the University of Wisconsin (UW) and histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK) are the most commonly used preservation solutions. Despite intensive efforts, the functional preservation of solid organs prior to transplantation is limited to hours. In this study, we modified the UW solution containing components from both the UW and HTK solutions and analyzed their tissue-protective effect against ischemic injury. The composition of the UW solution was changed by reducing hydroxyethyl starch concentration and adding Histidine/Histidine-HCl which is the main component of HTK solution. Additionally, the preservation solutions were supplemented with melatonin and glucosamine. The protective effects of the preservation solutions were assessed by biochemical and microscopical analysis at 2, 10, 24, and 72 h after preserving the rat kidneys with static cold storage. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in preservation solutions was measured at 2, 10, 24, and 72. It was not detectable at 2 h of preservation in all groups and 10 h of preservation in modified UW+melatonin (mUW-m) and modified UW+glucosamine (mUW-g) groups. At the 72nd hour, the lowest LDH activity (0.91 IU/g (0.63-1.17)) was measured in the mUW-m group. In comparison to the UW group, histopathological damage score was low in modified UW (mUW), mUW-m, and mUW-g groups at 10, 24, and 72 hours. The mUW-m solution at low temperature was an effective and suitable solution to protect renal tissue for up to 72 h.

An assessment of the effect of Ginkgo Biloba EGb 761 on ischemia reperfusion injury of intestine.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Ginkgo Biloba (EGb 761) on reperfusion injury of the small bowel. METHODOLOGY: Forty-eight male 200-250 g Spraque-Dawley rats in six groups were used to determine the biochemical and histopathological changes after a 30-min ischemia and 30-min reperfusion. Pre-treatment with 50 mg/kg EGb 761 (Tebofortan, Karlsruhe-Germany) or 10-mL/kg saline was administered intravenously in the treatment and control groups. The superior mesenteric artery was occluded distal to the right colic artery and collateral arcades were ligated to provide complete ischemia. Ischemia was determined by the existence of pulseless or pale color of the small intestine. The return of the pulses and the reestablishment of the pink color were assumed to be the reperfusion of the intestine. Rats that were administered Egb 761 and saline were subjected to laparotomy, ischemia, or ischemia-reperfusion procedures. Mucosal lesions were graded from 0 to 5 in histopathological examination. Malondialdehyde and myeloperoxidase levels of the intestinal mucosa were measured. RESULTS: No significant difference was noted between the control and treatment groups regarding the histopathological changes. Although malonyldialdehyde and myeloperoxidase levels of the reperfusion + EGb 761 group were slightly higher than the laparotomy + saline group, they were significantly lower than the reperfusion + saline group. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that EGb 761 pre-treatment before ischemia-reperfusion decreased malondialdehyde and myeloperoxidase levels and attenuated the mucosal damage.