Polydatin as a Potential Therapeutic in Pediatric Intestinal Volvulus: Evidence from an Experimental I/R Injury Model

Small bowel volvulus is a clinical condition that causes intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, leading to severe tissue damage and high mortality rates. Polydatin, a natural stilbenoid polyphenol, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of polydatin on I/R injury using an experimental small bowel volvulus model.A total of 24 healthy female Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups: Sham (Group 1), Polydatin (Group 2), I/R (Group 3), and Treatment (Group 4). In Group 1, no I/R procedure was applied, and intraperitoneal saline was administered. Group 2 received 20 mg/kg intraperitoneal polydatin without I/R. In Group 3, a 5-cm segment of the small intestine was twisted 360 degrees clockwise, leading to 2 hours of ischemia and 2 hours of reperfusion. Group 4 received 20 mg/kg intraperitoneal polydatin before reperfusion. Blood and intestinal tissue samples were collected for biochemical and histopathological analysis.Serum total antioxidant status (TAS) levels were significantly higher in the treatment group compared with the I/R group (p = 0.004). Serum total oxidant status (TOS) levels were significantly elevated in the I/R group compared with all other groups (p < 0.001) but were significantly reduced in the treatment group (p < 0.001). Tissue oxidative stress index (OSI) values were significantly lower in the treatment group compared with the I/R group (p = 0.004). Although serum OSI levels and tissue TAS and TOS values showed a favorable trend, they were not statistically significant. Histopathological evaluations revealed a marked reduction in tissue damage in the treatment group compared with the I/R group.Polydatin exerts protective effects against I/R injury in an experimental small bowel volvulus model by reducing oxidative stress and histopathological damage. These findings highlight its therapeutic potential and warrant further clinical research.