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Protective role of melatonin and spirulina in aortic occlusion-reperfusion model in rats
Eyüp Sarı1, Dilek Dilli2, İrfan Taşoğlu3
1Gülhane Faculty of Medicine/Ankara Provincial Health Directorate, Public Hospitals Services Presidency, University of Health Sciences of Turkey, Ankara, Turkey.
Abstract:
The aim of this experiment was to investigate the role of melatonin and spirulina on multiorgan damage induced by ischemia/reperfusion injury (IR) in a rat model. A total of 32 male rats weighing 200-220 g were allocated into 4 groups (n = 8/group) (Sham, Control-IR [CIR], Melatonin-IR [MIR], and Spirulina-IR [SIR]). Sham group underwent midline laparotomy and dissection of the aorta without injury. In other groups, an IR model was established by clamping (ischemia) and releasing (reperfusion) the abdominal aorta at the supraceliac level for 20 min. All rats were given 3 ml/kg of distilled water by gavage for 14 days before and 7 days after the experiment. The treatment groups received either melatonin (50 mg/kg) or spirulina (50 mg/kg) by the same route. On the 21st day of the experiment, the rats were sacrificed. We found that melatonin and spirulina ameliorated the effects of IR at different levels of significance (ranging from p = .01 to p < .001), increasing total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and superoxide dismutase levels, and decreasing total oxidant status, oxidative stress index (OSI), myeloperoxidase, tumor necrosis factor-alfa and malondialdehyde levels. When compared MIR and SIR groups, only TAC and OSI levels did differ in favor of melatonin between the groups (p < .05). Histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations showed that melatonin and spirulina similarly reduced IR-related tissue damage and apoptosis. We concluded that melatonin and spirulina may have a protective role against oxidative tissue damage and apoptosis in the abdominal aortic IR animal model. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Coarctation of aorta (CoA) and interrupted aortic arch (IAA) are serious cardiac defects with high morbidity and mortality if not diagnosed and treated early in life. Restoration of blood flow in CoA or IAA through prostaglandin E1 infusion, angioplasty or surgery can cause ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury. This reperfusion period may be complicated IR injury at remote organs. It may be beneficial to increase antioxidant capacity in preventing stress-induced tissue damage. Melatonin and spirulina are agents with strong antioxidant properties. In this animal research, protective role of these products on multiorgan damage induced by IR was investigated for the first time. We found that both melatonin and spirulina ameliorate the effects of IR to varying degrees. This study provides evidence that melatonin and spirulina may have preventive effects on oxidative tissue damage and apoptosis in the abdominal aortic IR animal model.
Insights
Melatonin and spirulina protect against multiorgan damage caused by ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats. Both antioxidants reduced oxidative stress and tissue damage, suggesting a potential therapeutic role.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury can cause multiorgan damage, particularly following interventions for aortic defects like coarctation of the aorta (CoA) and interrupted aortic arch (IAA).
- Oxidative stress plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of IR injury, leading to tissue damage and apoptosis.
- Melatonin and spirulina are known for their potent antioxidant properties, but their specific effects on abdominal aortic IR injury have not been previously investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective effects of melatonin and spirulina against multiorgan damage induced by abdominal aortic ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury in a rat model.
- To evaluate the impact of these agents on oxidative stress markers, antioxidant capacity, and tissue histopathology.
- To compare the efficacy of melatonin and spirulina in mitigating IR-induced damage.
Main Methods:
- A rat model of abdominal aortic IR injury was established by clamping the aorta for 20 minutes followed by reperfusion.
- Rats were divided into four groups: Sham, Control-IR, Melatonin-IR, and Spirulina-IR.
- Animals received melatonin (50 mg/kg) or spirulina (50 mg/kg) daily via gavage for 21 days. Biochemical markers, oxidative stress indices, and histopathological changes were assessed.
Main Results:
- Both melatonin and spirulina significantly ameliorated IR-induced multiorgan damage, with effects ranging from p = .01 to p < .001.
- Treatment with melatonin and spirulina increased total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels.
- These agents decreased total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), myeloperoxidase (MPO), tumor necrosis factor-alfa (TNF-α), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Histopathological examination revealed reduced IR-related tissue damage and apoptosis in both treatment groups.
Conclusions:
- Melatonin and spirulina demonstrate significant protective effects against oxidative tissue damage and apoptosis in the abdominal aortic IR animal model.
- Both agents enhance the body's antioxidant defense mechanisms and reduce markers of inflammation and lipid peroxidation.
- These findings suggest that melatonin and spirulina hold promise as therapeutic agents for preventing or mitigating IR injury in clinical settings, particularly for patients undergoing interventions for aortic arch defects.
