It’s known that calcium dobesilate improves capillary dysfunction and lymphatic flow, inhibits thrombogenesis and thrombocytic aggregation. In this experimental study the effects of calcium dobesilate, a venotonic agent, on skeletal muscle ischemia –reperfusion injury is investigated.

Method:

Sprague-Dawley type 25 rats were divided into 5 groups. In Group 1 only anesthesia was performed. Ischemia was obtained in right lower extremity using tourniquet method in Group 2. Ischemia was documented by laser doppler. In group 3 and 4 , oral calcium dobesilate was given for five days. In Group 3 four hours of ischemia, in Group 4 and 5 two hours of reperfusion following 4 hours of ischemia was performed. Soleus muscle, lung and liver tissues were extracted for measurement of malondialdehyde levels which is the last product of lipid peroxidation. Serum creatine phospokinase levels were also studied. In addition , tissue samples of soleus muscle were dyed with nitroblue tetrazolium and then purple colored cells were counted in order to show the usage of oxidative enzymes.

Results:

When ischemia groups without calcium dobesilate and with calcium dobesilate were compared, in latter group there was a decrease in malondialdehyde levels of soleus muscle and liver tissues and also in serum creatine phosphokinase levels, which was statistically significant (p < 0.05). When comparing ischemia-repefusion groups with and without calcium dobesilate, there was statistically significant decrease in serum creatine phosphokinase and muscular malondialdehyde levels in the former group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Even though calcium dobesilate is available only in oral form and used in treatment of venous diseases, it can also be used in the treatment of patients with chronic arterial disease to prevent ischemia and ischemia-reperfusion injury induced by claudication.