Prophylactic Use of Laser Light and Methylene Blue on Ischemia and Liver Reperfusion Injury

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of hepatic preconditioning with laser light in the presence of methylene blue (MB) in the liver ischemia-reperfusion injury process.

Forty male Wistar rats were divided into 8 experimental groups (n = 5). Saline (.5 mL) or MB (15 mg/kg) was injected intravenously (inferior vena cava). After 2 minutes, 660 nm laser light was applied at a dose of 112.5 DE. Fifteen minutes after the application of saline or MB, 1 hour partial ischemia followed by 15 minutes of reperfusion was applied when the rats were sacrificed. The mitochondrial function parameters (O₂ consumption rates in states 3 and 4 and the respiratory control ratio), osmotic swelling, and determination of malondialdehyde were evaluated. Hepatic function was studied using the serum determination of the alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase enzymes.

MB therapy alone showed the capacity of preserving the rate of oxygen consumption in the mitochondrial respiratory state of the group submitted to ischemia compared to the sham group. However, when combined with low-intensity laser therapy, it failed to replicate the relevant protective effects in relation to oxidative phosphorylation or the mitochondrial membrane ischemia/reperfusion injury. Whether or not MB was combined with laser treatment, it was shown to be efficient in reducing oxidative stress. In relation to alanine aminotransferase enzymes, whether or not laser treatment was combined with MB had a protective effect on the hepatic lesion, whereas in relation to aspartate aminotransferase enzymes only laser treatment was able to provide this protection.