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Effect of intradermal human recombinant copper-zinc superoxide dismutase on random pattern flaps in rats
Ophir Schein1, Melvyn Westreich, Avshalom Shalom
1Department of Plastic Surgery, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel.
Background:
Studies have focused on enhancing flap viability using superoxide dismutase (SOD), but only a few used SOD from human origin, and most gave the compound systemically. We evaluated the ability of SOD to improve random skin flap survival using human recombinant copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (Hr-CuZnSOD) in variable doses, injected intradermally into the flap.
Methods:
Seventy male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned into 4 groups. Cephalic random pattern flaps were elevated on their backs and intradermal injections of different dosages of Hr-CuZnSOD were given 15 minutes before surgery. Flap survival was evaluated by fluorescein fluorescence. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and t test statistical analyses were performed.
Results:
Flap survival in all treated groups was significantly better than in the controls.
Conclusions:
The beneficial effect of HR-CuZnSOD on flap survival is attained when it is given intradermally into the flap tissue. Theoretically, Hr-CuZnSOD delivered with local anesthetics used in flap elevation may be a valuable clinical tool.
