Effects of Aloe Vera on Spinal Cord Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury of Rats

ABSTRACTAim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possible protective/therapeutic effects of aloe vera (AV) on ischemia–reperfusion injury (I/R) of spinal cord in rats. Materials and Methods: A total of 28 Wistar Albino rats were divided into four random groups of equal number (n = 7). Group I (control) had no medication or surgery; Group II underwent spinal cord ischemia and was given no medication; Group III was administered AV by gastric gavage for 30 days as pre-treatment; Group IV was administered single dose intraperitoneal methylprednisolone (MP) after the ischemia. Nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF1), malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were evaluated. Tissue samples were examined histopathologically and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) protein expressions were assessed by immunohistochemical staining. Results: NRF1 and SOD levels of ischemia group were found to be lower compared to the other groups. MDA levels significantly ...