Poly(Ethylene Glycol)-Modified Catalase Blocking Reactive Oxygen Species for the Treatment of Hepatic Ischemia

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is a severe clinical condition often leading to liver dysfunction due to oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified catalase (CAT) in alleviating oxidative damage associated with hepatic IRI. Catalase, an enzyme that decomposes hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, is modified with PEG to enhance its stability, bioavailability, and to prolong its half-life in vivo. PEGylation significantly improved the pharmacokinetics of CAT by extending its circulation half-life and enhancing its stability against enzymatic degradation. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that PEGylated CAT (CAT-PEG) efficiently reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, mitigated oxidative stress, and improved liver function post-reperfusion. These findings suggest that CAT-PEG is a promising therapeutic strategy for treating IRI, with potential for broader applications in liver transplantation and other conditions involving oxidative damage.