Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 1, 2026
Real-Time Assessment of Spinal Cord Microperfusion in a Porcine Model of Ischemia/Reperfusion
Published on: December 10, 2020
Effects of dexamethasone on ischemia reperfusion injury following pringle maneuver
Kerem Karaman1, M Bulent Tirnaksiz, Nuray Ulusu
1Department of General Surgery, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey. keremkaraman1972@yahoo.com
Background/Aims:
Hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury induced by Pringle maneuver leads to bacterial translocation, endotoxemia and apoptosis. Our aim was to compare the effects of low and high dose dexamethasone pretreatment on antioxidant enzyme activities, bacterial translocation, endotoxemia and apoptosis, following Pringle maneuver.
Methodology:
Thirty-two rats were randomized into four groups; sham, control and two treatment groups; low dose dexamethasone (0.1 mg/kg) and high dose dexamethasone (1 mg/kg). In the treatment groups dexamethasone was administered intraperitoneally one hour before Pringle maneuver. Twenty-four hours after closing rats' abdomen, re-laparotomy was performed and tissue samples were taken from the mesenteric lymph nodes, liver, ileum and spleen and 1 mL of blood was drawn from the aorta. Bacterial translocation, endotoxemia, apoptosis and enzyme activities of G6PD, 6-PGD, GR, GST, GPx and CAT were evaluated.
Results:
Low dose dexamethasone significantly decreased bacterial translocation to mesenteric lymph nodes, and reduced liver and enterocyte apoptosis, whereas high dose dexamethasone caused only a significant reduction in enterocyte apoptosis (p<0.05). Dexamethasone both in low and high doses significantly reduced the decrease in antioxidant enzyme levels (p<0.05).
Conclusions:
Low dose dexamethasone pretreatment caused constructive therapeutic effects after Pringle maneuver, whereas these effects were seen partially with a high dose.
Insights
Low dose dexamethasone pretreatment effectively reduced bacterial translocation and apoptosis following Pringle maneuver. High dose dexamethasone showed partial benefits, indicating low-dose is more beneficial for hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Surgical Research
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) from the Pringle maneuver can cause bacterial translocation, endotoxemia, and apoptosis.
- Investigating protective strategies against IRI is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of low versus high dose dexamethasone pretreatment in mitigating IRI.
- To evaluate the impact of dexamethasone on antioxidant enzyme activity, bacterial translocation, endotoxemia, and apoptosis.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-two rats were divided into sham, control, low-dose dexamethasone (0.1 mg/kg), and high-dose dexamethasone (1 mg/kg) groups.
- Dexamethasone was administered intraperitoneally one hour before the Pringle maneuver.
- Bacterial translocation, endotoxemia, apoptosis, and antioxidant enzyme activities (G6PD, 6-PGD, GR, GST, GPx, CAT) were assessed 24 hours post-injury.
Main Results:
- Low-dose dexamethasone significantly reduced bacterial translocation to mesenteric lymph nodes and decreased liver and enterocyte apoptosis.
- High-dose dexamethasone primarily reduced enterocyte apoptosis.
- Both low and high doses of dexamethasone significantly attenuated the reduction in antioxidant enzyme levels.
Conclusions:
- Low-dose dexamethasone pretreatment demonstrated significant therapeutic benefits in reducing IRI complications.
- High-dose dexamethasone offered partial protection, suggesting a dose-dependent effect.
- Dexamethasone, particularly at low doses, may be a valuable therapeutic option for managing hepatic IRI.
