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Cytoprotection by diclofenac sodium after intestinal ischemia/reperfusion injury

D J Schmeling1, M G Caty, K T Oldham

  • 1Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710.

Insights

Diclofenac sodium (DS) significantly protects the intestine from ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury by preserving ATP levels. This cytoprotective effect surpasses traditional antioxidants and does not involve preventing neutrophil influx.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Gastroenterology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Intestinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a critical concern in pediatric surgery.
  • I/R injury involves impaired oxygen delivery and subsequent inflammation.
  • Neutrophils and oxidants play a key role in secondary inflammatory responses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate diclofenac sodium (DS), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent, for treating intestinal I/R injury.
  • To compare the efficacy of DS with conventional antioxidants in mitigating I/R injury.
  • To investigate the mechanism of DS in preventing intestinal tissue damage.

Main Methods:

  • Rats underwent intestinal ischemia followed by reperfusion.
  • Intestinal myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels were measured to assess neutrophil sequestration.
  • Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content was analyzed as a marker of tissue injury.

Main Results:

  • I/R injury led to significant neutrophil sequestration and ATP depletion in the intestine.
  • Diclofenac sodium (DS) pretreatment did not inhibit neutrophil sequestration.
  • DS significantly attenuated ATP depletion, demonstrating a cytoprotective effect.
  • The ATP preservation by DS exceeded that of conventional antioxidants like xanthine-oxidase inhibitors and superoxide dismutase.

Conclusions:

  • Diclofenac sodium (DS) exhibits a significant cytoprotective effect against intestinal I/R injury.
  • DS preserves intestinal ATP levels more effectively than traditional antioxidants.
  • The protective mechanism of DS does not involve the prevention of neutrophil influx into the injured intestine.

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