How important is the damage to the liver after lower limb ischemia-reperfusion? An experimental study in a rat model

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of lower extremity ischemia reperfusion on the liver and the effect of ischemiareperfusion on the liver itself in a rat model. Methods: Thirty Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly divided into three groups including 10 in each group: sham (Group 1), lower limb ischemia-reperfusion (Group 2), and liver ischemia-reperfusion (Group 3). In Group 2, one hour of left lower limb ischemia was performed. In Group 3, one hour of ischemia in the liver was performed, followed by 24 hours of reperfusion. After reperfusion, the liver tissues were removed, and the groups were evaluated biochemically and histologically. Results: The liver malondialdehyde levels were significantly higher in Groups 2 and 3 than in the sham group (p0.05). Conclusion: Reperfusion injury in the liver after lower limb ischemiareperfusion is as important as ischemia-reperfusion injury which is specifically induced in the liver. This should be taken into account, particularly in reperfusion surgeries following vascular trauma or in cases of leg tourniquets to stop bleeding after lower limb vascular trauma. © 2020 All right reserved by the Turkish Society of Cardiovascular Surgery.