R. Yokota et al., A novel hydroxyl radical scavenger, nicaraven, protects the liver from warm ischemia and reperfusion injury, SURGERY, 127(6), 2000, pp. 661-669
Background, Reactive oxygen species have been considered to be involved in
liver injury at the procurement, preservation, and transplantation from don
ors without beating hearts. A novel hydroxyl radical scavenger, nicaraven w
ith hydrophilic and lipophilic properties, infiltrates both intracellular a
nd extracellular spaces where it effectively scavenges reactive oxygen spec
ies. Protection by nicaraven against ischemia and reperfusion damage of the
brain, heart, and kidneys has been shown. The effect of this agent on the
liver remains unclear.
Methods. Two-hour total hepatic vascular exclusion was used. Eighteen beagl
e dogs were randomly assigned to 2 groups: 12 animals were not treated (gro
up I) and 6 were treated with nicaraven (group II). Nicaraven was administe
red intravenously (2mg/kg/min)for 60 minutes before ischemia and for 3 hour
s, starting 30 minutes before reperfusion.
Results. Two-week survival rates were 25 % in group I and 100% in group II
(P <.01). Nicaraven inhibited lipid peroxidation in the liver, improved hep
atic and systemic hemodynamics and energy metabolism, and suppressed liver
enzyme release, endothelin-1 elevation in hepatic venous blood, histologic
damage, and neutrophil infiltration into the liver.
Conclusions. Nicaraven exerted hepatic protection against warm ischemia and
reperfusion injury. This may indicate nicaraven as a potential candidate t
o attenuate liver injury from warm ischemia and preservation in transplanta
tion from donors without beating hearts.