The role of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in distant organ (lung) oxidative damage of liver ischemia/reperfusion and the protective effect of rutin

Background. Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) can cause damage to distant organs. Rutin is known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and inhibits cytokine and polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) infiltration. It may prevent the development of reperfusion injury. Objectives. This study aimed to examine the role of PMNLs in distant organ (lung) injury after a liver I/R procedure, and to evaluate the protective effects of rutin in rats using biochemical and immunohistochemical methods. Materials and methods. In this study, 18 Wistar albino male rats (255–275 g) were used. Experimental animals were divided into 3 groups: a liver I/R (LIR) group, a 50 mg/kg rutin+liver I/R (RLIR) group and a sham operation (SG) control group. Experimental results obtained from the RLIR group were compared with the LIR and SG groups. Results. Blood malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the RLIR and SG groups were significantly lower compared to the LIR group (p < 0.001). Blood myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in the RLIR and SG groups was significantly lower compared to the LIR group (p < 0.001). Total glutathione (tGSH) levels in the RLIR and SG groups were significantly higher compared to the LIR group (p < 0.001). Conclusions. Rutin can be used to prevent distant organ (lung) damage due to liver I/R. However, more extensive studies are needed on this issue. Copyright by Author(s).