Antioxidant preconditioning attenuates liver ischemia/reperfusion injury after hepatectomy in swine

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether antioxidant preconditioning with Deferoxamine can attenuate liver ischemia reperfusion injury associated with extended hepatectomy in swine. Methods Eighteen swine were randomly assigned to two groups: Deferoxamine (DFO) and Surgery Only (SO). The animals in both groups were subjected to laparotomy, prolonged temporary occlusion of the right and middle hepatic pedicles and subsequent left hepatectomy. The DFO group received IV deferoxamine prior to induction of liver ischemia. Monitoring was performed for 6 h and samples (Protein carbonyls, Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, Histology, ALT, AST, Lactic acid and WBC) were drawn at 0, 60 and 360 min. Results Protein carbonyls and Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances had significantly lower concentration and higher reduction rates in serum and liver tissue of the DFO group. The histological examination of liver tissue showed less inflammation and necrosis in the DFO group. Hepatic enzymes and lactic acid measurements showed higher reduction rate in the DFO group by the end of the experiment. Conclusions This experimental study documents an early protective effect of deferoxamine administration in major hepatectomies against liver ischemia/reperfusion injury.