Heme oxygenase 1 expression in postischemic reperfusion liver damage: effect of L-Arginine

• Published in: Microsurgery 2006, Vol.26 (1), p.25-32
• Main Authors: Lanteri, Raffaele, Acquaviva, Rosaria, Di Giacomo, Claudia, Caltabiano, Rosario, Li Destri, Giovanni, Vanella, Luca, Santangelo, Marco, Lanzafame, Salvatore, Di Cataldo, Antonio
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alanine Transaminase - metabolism; Animals; Arginine - therapeutic use; Aspartate Aminotransferases - metabolism; DNA Fragmentation; Heme Oxygenase-1 - metabolism; Lipid Peroxides - metabolism; Liver Diseases - drug therapy; Liver Diseases - enzymology; Liver Diseases - pathology; Male; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Reperfusion Injury - drug therapy; Reperfusion Injury - enzymology; Reperfusion Injury - pathology; Sulfhydryl Compounds - metabolism
• ISSN: 0738-1085; 1098-2752
• DOI: 10.1002/micr.20206

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. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 26: 25–32, 2006.