Blood carbonyl protein measurement as a specific oxidative stress biomarker after intestinal reperfusion in rats

PURPOSE: An experimental study was performed to investigate the use of protein carbonyl group as a specific biological marker for oxidative stress in a rat model of intestinal ischaemia-reperfusion. METHODS: Twenty four male Wistar rats were randomly distributed into three groups with eight animals each: Group 1 - Control group; Group 2 - Sham; Group 3 - Intestinal ischaemia by clamping ileal branches of the superior mesenteric artery for one hour, followed by another hour of reperfusion. Blood samples were taken in order to analyze the protein carbonyl level by Slot blotting assay. RESULTS: In group 3 a significant increase of protein carbonyl level was observed if compared to the homogenous levels of groups 1 and 2. CONCLUSION: From the results it may be concluded that the protein carbonylation may be used as a specific marker for measuring oxidative stress in rat intestinal reperfusion model.

Propofol and N-Acetylcysteine attenuate oxidative stress induced by intestinal ischemia/reperfusion in rats: Protein carbonyl detection by immunoblotting

PURPOSE: To evaluate the antioxidant effect of Propofol and N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) on intestinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) in rats by determining carbonyl protein level. METHODS: Forty Wistar rats were randomly assigned into the following groups: Control; Sham; I/R with Propofol; I/R with Propofol and NAC; I/R with Ketamine and Xylazine. The I/R groups underwent 60 minutes of ischemia and an equal period of reperfusion. Blood samples, collected by cardiac punction, were centrifuged for plasma obtainment. Protein carbonyl level in plasma samples was determined by immunoblotting. RESULTS: No significant difference in protein carbonyl level was found between Control and Sham groups (P>0.05). The highest reduction in protein carbonyl level (P<0.05) was obtained with the administration of Propofol and NAC (Group 4) in intestinal I/R procedure. CONCLUSION: The administration of Propofol and NAC showed the best antioxidant effect on oxidative stress in rats that underwent intestinal I/R procedure, suggesting a synergistic interaction.