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Updated: Aug 19, 2026
Murine Model of Intestinal Ischemia-reperfusion Injury
Published on: May 11, 2016
Melatonin reduces bacterial translocation after intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury
P Sileri1, G S Sica, P Gentileschi
1University of Rome "Tor Vergata." Rome, Italy. piersileri@yahoo.com
Abstract:
Melatonin, the primary pineal hormone, has been reported to protect from oxidative injury after ischemia-reperfusion (IR). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of exogenous melatonin on intestinal integrity, ileal colonization, and bacterial translocation 45-minute after mesenteric IR. Sixteen male ACI rats randomly divided into two groups underwent 45-minutes intestinal ischemia by clamping the superior mesenteric artery. One hour prior to ischemia, study animals (n=8, group A) were treated with melatonin (10 mg/kg IP) while control animals (n=8, group B) received the same volume of saline solution. An additional six animals underwent laparotomy and served as a sham-operated group. Animals were sacrificed 24 hours after reperfusion; peritoneal swabs and biopsies of liver, spleen, lung, mesenteric lymph nodes, cecum, and terminal ileum were obtained for microbiology. The ileum samples were also processed for histopathological evaluation of IR-induced injury. Twenty-four hours after reperfusion bacterial translocation to the peritoneal cavity present in all group B animals was reduced to 37.5% among those that were melatonin-treated (group A; P <.05). Furthermore bacterial translocation to mesenteric lymph nodes, spleen, and liver was significantly lower in group A than group B (P <.05). Although cecal and ileal counts did not differ between the two groups, ileal counts from control animals showed increased colonization. Accordingly, a single injection of exogenous melatonin significantly reduced the intestinal IR injury and prevented bacterial translocation.
Insights
Exogenous melatonin significantly reduced intestinal injury and prevented bacterial translocation following mesenteric ischemia-reperfusion (IR). This pineal hormone treatment offers a protective effect against IR-induced damage and bacterial spread.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Endocrinology
- Surgical Research
Background:
- Melatonin, a pineal hormone, is known for its antioxidant properties.
- Oxidative injury following ischemia-reperfusion (IR) poses a significant clinical challenge.
- Intestinal integrity and bacterial translocation are critical concerns after mesenteric IR.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective effects of exogenous melatonin on intestinal integrity.
- To assess the impact of melatonin on ileal colonization and bacterial translocation after mesenteric IR.
- To evaluate melatonin's efficacy in mitigating IR-induced intestinal injury.
Main Methods:
- Male ACI rats underwent 45-minute superior mesenteric artery occlusion to induce intestinal ischemia.
- Animals received either melatonin (10 mg/kg IP) or saline solution one hour prior to ischemia.
- Bacterial translocation and histopathological injury were assessed 24 hours after reperfusion.
Main Results:
- Melatonin treatment significantly reduced bacterial translocation to the peritoneal cavity (37.5% vs. 100%).
- Translocation of bacteria to mesenteric lymph nodes, spleen, and liver was significantly lower in the melatonin group.
- Melatonin administration mitigated IR-induced intestinal injury and reduced ileal bacterial colonization.
Conclusions:
- A single dose of exogenous melatonin effectively reduces intestinal injury caused by mesenteric IR.
- Melatonin administration significantly prevents bacterial translocation from the gut to systemic organs.
- Melatonin shows promise as a therapeutic agent for managing complications of mesenteric ischemia-reperfusion.
