Evaluation of the therapeutic effect of methylene blue on the liver of rats submitted to ischemia and reperfusion

• Published in: Acta cirúrgica brasileira 2018-12, Vol.33 (12), p.1043-1051
• Main Authors: Castro-e-Silva, Orlando, D’Albuquerque, Luiz Augusto Carneiro, Silveira, Marina Rodrigues Garcia, Zorzi, Patricia, Liu, Jordan Bistafa, Campos, Daniel Tófoli Queiroz, Victorino, João Paulo, Jordani, Maria Cecília, Mendes, Karina Dal Sasso, Évora, Paulo Roberto Barbosa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ischemia; Liver; Methylene Blue; Mitochondria; Rats; Reperfusion
• ISSN: 0102-8650; 1678-2674
• DOI: 10.1590/s0102-865020180120000001

Abstract Purpose: To analyze the effect of methylene blue (MB) therapy during the liver ischemia-reperfusion injury (I/R) process. Methods: Thirty-five male Wistar rats were used, (70%) submitted to partial ischemia (IR) or not (NIR) (30%) were obtained from the same animal. These animals were divided into six groups: 1) Sham (SH), 2) Sham with MB (SH-MB); 3) I/R, submitted to 60 minutes of partial ischemia and 15 minutes of reperfusion; 4) NI/R, without I/R obtained from the same animal of group I/R; 5) I/R-MB submitted to I/R and MB and 6) NI/R-MB, without I/R. Mitochondrial function was evaluated. Osmotic swelling of mitochondria as well as the determination of malondialdehyde (MDA) was evaluated. Serum (ALT/AST) dosages were also performed. MB was used at the concentration of 15mg/kg, 15 minutes before hepatic reperfusion. Statistical analysis was done by the Mann Whitney test at 5%. Results: State 3 shows inhibition in all ischemic groups. State 4 was increased in all groups, except the I/R-MB and NI/R-MB groups. RCR showed a decrease in all I/R and NI/R groups. Mitochondrial osmotic swelling showed an increase in all I/R NI/R groups in the presence or absence of MB. About MDA, there was a decrease in SH values in the presence of MB and this decrease was maintained in the I/R group. AST levels were increased in all ischemic with or without MB. Conclusions: The methylene blue was not able to restore the mitochondrial parameters studied. Also, it was able to decrease lipid peroxidation, preventing the formation of reactive oxygen species.