Polyethylene glycols and organ protection against I/R injury

During the organ transplantation process, conservation solutions must address responses to the physiologic organ preservation and prevent ischemia-reperfusion injuries. The use of colloids seems beneficial especially for long ischemia time compared to the impermeant molecules used for short time. The colloids family includes molecules as hydroxyethyl starch (HES), albumin, dextran or polyethylene glycol (PEG). In this review, the authors describe the rational for PEG use, its potential immunomodulatory effect and the main results of its experimental and clinical use.