The Effects of Aspirin and Vitamin E on Blood Antioxidant Enzymes of Rats during Experimental Liver Ischemia-Reperfusion

Abstract

Damage caused by free oxygen radicals is quite important in ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Therefore, our study focuses on
the effects of Aspirin and Vitamin E on the activity changes in erythrocyte radical scavenging enzymes in superoxide
dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (Gpx) activities following liver ischemia/reperfusion in rats.
Winstar albino male rats were divided into six groups as sham, isotonic saline solvent Aspirin, Vitamin E solvent corn oil
injected control groups and Aspirin, Vitamin E and Aspirin+Vitamin E injected test groups. Rats subjected to ischemia were
then grouped and exposed to reperfusion at the 0th, 2nd, 8th and 24th hours. After reperfusion, blood samples were taken via a
dispossible injector from the heart at these hours and the enzyme activities were studied in erythrocyte fractions. Enzyme
activity changes were seen during reperfusion periods, particularly the 2nd hour of reperfusion more striking than in ischemia
period. When Aspirin and Vitamin E were given separately caused enzyme activity changes but these changes more
remarkable when Aspirin and Vitamin E given together. Considering these results, Aspirin and Vitamin E may be suggested
to prevent post-ischemic damage owing to their potential therapeutic effects.