Hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury: effect of moderate intensity exercise and oxytocin compared to l-arginine in a rat model

Abstract Background Hepatic ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury is considered as a main cause of liver damage and dysfunction. The l -arginine/nitric oxide pathway seems to be relevant during this process IR. Although acute intense exercise challenges the with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), regular training improves hepatic antioxidant status. Also, oxytocin (Oxy), besides its classical functions, it exhibits potent antistress, anti-inflammatory, effects. This study was designed evaluate functional structural changes induced by IR in rats probe effect potential mechanism moderate intensity and/or Oxy, comparison nitric donor, -arginine, against IR-induced damage. Results Compared sham-operated control group, group displayed significant increase serum levels ALT AST, plasma MDA TNF-α, decrease TAC nitrite together worsening histological picture. L-Arg, exercise, combination both Oxy exercises ameliorated these deleterious effects that were evident elevation nitrite, decline lipid peroxidation (MDA) regression histopathological score regarding hepatocyte necrosis, vacuolization, nuclear pyknosis. Both exercise-trained Oxy-treated showed TNF-α compared -Arg-treated group. statistical insignificant ALT, MDA, TAC, Conclusion more pronounced hepatoprotection on -Arg which could attributed their prominent anti-inflammatory but not due NO-enhancing effect.