Methods: Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, ischemia/reperfusion, sham (ischemia/ reperfusion + solvent/dimethyl sulfoxide), and ischemia/reperfusion + resveratrol. In the groups subjected to ischemia/reperfusion, following 60-min shock to the abdominal aorta, vascular clamps were attached from the levels of the infrarenal and iliac bifurcation. A total of 60-min ischemia was applied, followed by 120-min reperfusion. In the ischemia/ reperfusion + resveratrol group, intraperitoneal 10 mg/kg resveratrol was administered 15 min before ischemia and immediately after reperfusion. Malondialdehyde, glutathione, and catalase levels were analyzed and histopathological examination of the lung tissues was performed.
Results: Malondialdehyde levels increased in the ischemia/reperfusion and ischemia/reperfusion + dimethyl sulfoxide groups, compared to the control group, while catalase levels decreased, and no significant difference was observed in the glutathione levels. Malondialdehyde levels decreased with the administration of resveratrol, while glutathione levels increased, and catalase levels remained unchanged. The increased inflammation in interstitial spaces, thickening in the alveolar septal walls, increased numbers of cleaved caspase-3 apoptotic pneumocytes, and increased histopathological lung damage scores observed in the ischemia/reperfusion and ischemia/reperfusion + dimethyl sulfoxide groups improved with the application of resveratrol.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that resveratrol may exhibit a protective effect in preventing acute lung injury developing due to ischemia/reperfusion in ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery by reducing oxidative damage.
The severity of distant organ injury occurring due to I/Rep after ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (RAAA) surgery is affected by several factors, such as severity of hemodynamic impairment, duration of ischemia, and tissue susceptibility to ischemia.[2] Depletion of energy stores during ischemia results in membrane ion gradient impairment and cellular swelling. In reperfusion, reactive oxygen species (ROS) emerging from such sources as activated neutrophils cause lipid peroxidation in the phospholipid layer of the cell membrane.[2-5] Measurement of levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) that occurs as a result of this damage in tissues is used to prove oxidantmediated injury. Glutathione peroxidase (GSH) and catalase (CAT) are important endogenous antioxidant enzymes that protect living cells against ROS damage. Measurement of levels of these antioxidant enzymes indicates the severity of the oxidative stress.[2,5]
Resveratrol (RES), obtained from renewable plants such as grape and peanut, is a bioactive molecule that exhibits physiological effects on several organs. It prevents oxidative stress caused by ROS and neutrophil activation through its rich phenolic content.[6] The aim of the present study was to determine the possible protective effects of RES against I/Rep-related lung damage using histological and biochemical parameters to classify the degree of oxidative injury.
Experimental design
In this study, the RAAA model designed by Lindsay
et al.[7] to investigate ischemia reperfusion injury in
distant organs was used. The procedures during the
determination of the experimental groups (control,
I/Rep, I/Rep+solvent/dimethyl sulfoxide [DMSO],
I/Rep+RES), anesthesia applications, carotid artery
and jugular vein cannulations, vascular clamping in
the infrarenal abdominal aorta (IAA) were performed
as described previously.[7,8] In the I/Rep+RES
group, 10 mg/kg RES was applied intraperitoneally
15 min before the clamps were placed in the IAA
and immediately before the clamps were removed. To
the I/Rep+DMSO group, 10 mg/kg DMSO was given
intraperitoneally, and the same amount of saline was
given to the I/Rep group (Table 1).[9]
Table 1. Interventions applied to experimental groups
Biochemical analysis
Tissue homogenization
Tissue samples were washed in ice-cold phosphate
buffered saline. All samples were homogenized 5 min
at 30 Hz and were, then, centrifuged at +40ºC at 3,000
g for 15 min. The MDA, GSH, and CAT assays were
performed using the supernatant.[10]
Determination of MDA, GSH, and CAT
In supernatant samples from tissues, MDA levels
(YL Biont Rat MDA kit, catalog no. YLA0029RA),
GSH levels (YL Biont Rat GSH kit, catalog no.
YLA0121RA), and CAT levels (YL Biont Rat CAT
kit, catalog no. YLA0123RA) were determined in
accordance with the instructions of a commercial
rat-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
(ELISA) kit.
Histopathological analysis
Lung tissue samples removed from the rats and
trimmed in a volume of 1.5 cm3 were fixed in
10% neutral formalin for 48 h (Sigma-Aldrich, Saint
Louis, MO, USA). After the fixation step, in line
with routine histological procedures, the specimens
were dehydrated by being passed through increasing
ethanol series (50%, 70%, 80%, 90%, and 100%; Merck
KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany) with a tissue processor
device (Shendon Citadel 2000, Thermo Fisher
Scientific Inc., Altrincham, WA, UK). Next clearing
was performed with xylol solution (Merck KGaA,
Darmstadt, Germany) and the specimens were, then,
embedded in soft paraffin (42-44°C, Merck KGaA,
Darmstadt, Germany) for 2 h. Finally, after being
kept overnight in hard paraffin (52 to 54ºC, Merck
KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany), the specimens were embedded into the tissue cassettes (Isolab Laborgeräte
GmbH, Eschau, Germany) using a tissue embedding
device (Leica, EG1150, Leica Germany). Lung tissue
sections, 4 to 5 ?m in thickness, were prepared
from the paraffin blocks using a rotary microtome
(Leica RM2525, Leica Germany). These sections were
stained with Harris's hematoxylin (Merck KGaA,
Darmstadt, Germany) and eosin G (Merck KGaA,
Darmstadt, Germany) using a tissue staining device
(Leica RM2525, Leica, Germany). The sections were,
then, examined under a light microscope (Olympus
BX51, Olympus Corp., Tokyo, Japan) with an attached
digital camera (Olympus DP71, Olympus Corp., Tokyo,
Japan) and photographed.
Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis
Lung tissue sections, 1 to 3 µm in thickness, were
prepared from the paraffin blocks using a rotary
microtome (Leica RM2525, Leica Germany). These
sections were placed into positively charged slides
(Parola Biomedical, Istanbul, Turkey). They were,
then, stained using anti-cleaved caspase-3 antibody
primary antibody (Rabbit polyclonal, ab2302, Abcam,
UK) and secondary antibody (Goat Anti-Rabbit IgG
H&L (HRP), ab205718, Abcam, UK) kits, in line with
the manufacturer's instructions, on a Leica Bond Max
IHC staining device (Leica microsystem, Melbourne,
Australia), a closed and fully automated system.
Counterstaining was, then, performed with Harris's
hematoxylin (Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany).
Semi-quantitative analysis
Semi-quantitative analysis was scored as shown in
Table 2 by modifying the lung tissue histopathological
damage score (LHDS).[11] Immunohistochemically
immune-positive cells in sections were scored as
shown in Table 3.[12] At semi-quantitative analysis,
25 randomly selected areas in sections were scored
by two histopathologists using a x20 magnifying lens.
The histopathologists were blinded to the study groups.
Table 2. Lung histopathological damage score
Table 3. Grading of immune positivity scores
Statistical analysis
Statistical analysis was performed using the
SPSS version 20.00 software (IBM Corp., Armonk,
NY, USA). Descriptive data were expressed in mean
± standard deviation (SD). Differences between
the groups were analyzed using one way analysis
of variance (ANOVA) followed by the Tukey's
honestly significant difference test. Non-parametric
data obtained from histopathological analyses were
expressed in median (interquartile range 25th-75th
percentile). Intergroup differences were evaluated
using the Kruskal-Wallis and Tamhane T2 tests. A p value of <0.05 was considered statistically
significant.
Table 4. Biochemical analysis results
Histopathological analysis results
Lung tissue parenchyma consisting of normal
alveoli were present in tissues from the control group
(Figure 1a, b; Table 5). However, hyaline membrane
structures in vessels and inflammation in interstitial
areas were present in the I/Rep and I/Rep+DMSO
groups. In addition, thickening in the alveolar septal
wall and debris accumulations in alveoli were observed
(Figure 1c-f; Table 5). In contrast, alveolar septal wall
thickening and alveolar debris deposition decreased
in the RES group. A decrease was also observed in
inflammation in interalveolar spaces and in hyaline
membrane structures in the vascular wall (Figure 1g-h;
Table 5).
Table 5. LHDS analysis results
IHC analysis results
The numbers of cleaved caspase-3 positive apoptotic
pneumocytes increased in the I/Rep and I/Rep+ DMSO
groups compared to the control group (Figure 2a-c;
Table 6). However, numbers of apoptotic pneumocytes were lower in the RES group than in the I/Rep group
(Figure 2a-d; Table 6).
Table 6. Cleaved Caspase-3 positivity scores results
Semi-quantitative analysis results
Alveolar-septal wall thickness, inflammation, and
LHDS scores increased in the I/Rep group, compared
to the control group (Table 5). In contrast, alveolarseptal
wall thickness, inflammation, and LHDS
scores decreased in the RES group, compared to the
I/Rep group (Table 5).
Previous studies have reported severe degeneration in alveolar structures, interstitial edema, inflammatory cell infiltration, and vascular congestion as a result of I/Rep induced by occlusion of the IAA.[15-17] Additionally, Kurt et al.[17] observed edema and hyaline cast structures in transition areas of the respiratory bronchioles, dilatation in the saccus alveolaris, edema in the subepithelial bronchial region, as well as irregularity in the lamina propria, perivascular edema, and obstruction in small capillary vessels as a result of I/Rep at examination of pulmonary tissues. Yaman et al.[16] recorded swelling and vacuolization in the bronchial epithelium, increased pulmonary vascular permeability, and dilatation in the alveoli. They also observed that interstitial edema and inflammatory cell inflammation caused capillary obstruction, and thickening of and damage to the alveolar wall in some regions. Similarly, in the present study, we observed alveolar wall thickening, debris deposition in the alveoli, increased inflammation in the alveolar septal wall and interstitial areas, hyaline membrane in vascular structures, and increased LHDS scores in lung tissue as a result of I/Rep.
Caspase-3 is one of the essential enzymes involved in the development of cell apoptosis. The ROS production and cytokine activation occur during I/Rep. Additionally, the release of proteolytic enzymes as a result of neutrophil adhesion to the endothelium and the activation of caspase-3 enzyme systems results in apoptosis and lung cell death.[16-18] Kurt et al.[17] determined that I /Rep induced by occlusion of the IAA exacerbated the activity of caspase-3 and increased the incidence of apoptosis in pulmonary cells. Wang et al.[18] also reported significant increases in caspase-3 enzyme content, apoptotic cells, and cell death in lung tissue with I/Rep. In the present study, we also concluded that I/Rep was associated with an increase in caspase-3-positive apoptotic pneumocyte numbers.
The ROS are toxic molecules that play a critical role in the development of I/Rep-related lung damage. Cell membrane injury and intracellular oxidative phosphorylation disorder caused by ROS during I/Rep lead to cell death, inflammation, and leukocyte chemotaxis.[19] The ROS lead to increased cell permeability and lysis by causing lipid peroxidation in the cell membrane.[16] As one of the end products of I/Rep injury, MDA emerges with the breakdown of polyunsaturated fatty acids. It provides reliable information about the every of the peroxidation reaction and tissue damage, and is used as a marker in determining oxidative damage.[4] The I /Rep has been reported to cause a significant increase in MDA levels in lung tissues in studies involving clamping of the IAA and in studies involving pulmonary hilus clamping.[4,14,16,17,20] Similarly, in the present study, and consistent with previous research, we observed that I/Rep increased the lung tissue MDA levels.
Antioxidant enzymes produced against oxidative stress can inhibit oxidation even at low concentrations. The GSH and CAT are important antioxidant enzymes that prevent cellular structures from undergoing oxidative damage. Determination of GSH and CAT levels is used to gain insight into the severity of oxidative stress exposed.[15,16] Yaman et al.[16] reported depletion of endogenous GSH due to I/Rep and low GSH levels in lung tissue in I/Rep group. Kumbasar et al.[4] reported significant decreases in both GSH and CAT levels in lung tissue after I/Rep. On the other hand, Cevirme et al.[15] did not observe that I/Rep damage caused by IAA occlusion caused a decrease in GSH levels in the lung tissue. Another study reported a decrease in CAT levels in lung tissue following I/Rep.[14] However, in the present study, we found no significant decrease in GSH levels in lung tissue, while CAT levels decreased significantly in groups subjected to I/Rep.
The RES (trans-3,4,5-trihidroksistilben) is a natural polyphenolic compound with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic properties.[19,21] The antioxidant effects of RES have been investigated in various I/Rep models and tissues. However, to the best of our knowledge, there are no previous studies investigating the effects of RES on lung tissue in the I/Rep model induced by occlusion of the IAA. Yeh et al.[20] clamped the pulmonary hilum and reported that RES reduced MDA levels and alveolar neutrophils in ischemic lung tissue, while preserving mitochondrial hemostasis. Huang et al.[21] also reported that RES showed preservative effects against oxidative stress in an intestinal ischemia model by producing a decrease in MDA levels and an increase in GSH in ischemic bowel tissue, while reducing expression of the inflammatory markers, cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and nuclear factorkappa b (NF-χB). In addition, the authors showed that RES reduced LIRI and improved respiratory functions by stabilizing mast cells in the lung and inhibiting NADPH oxidase. Xu et al.[19] reported that RES preserved the alveolar structure in pulmonary tissue exposed to ischemia in lung transplantation models, and reduced tissue edema, necrosis, and inflammation. Another study showed that RES increased GSH and CAT levels in ischemic spinal cord tissue.[22] In the present study, MDA levels decreased, GSH levels increased, and CAT levels remained unchanged with RES treatment in lung tissue exposed to I/Rep. Additionally, we observed inflammation in interalveolar areas, thickening of the alveolar septal wall, debris deposition in alveoli, hyaline membrane deposition in the vascular walls and decreased numbers of apoptotic cells, and a reduction in LDHS scores with RES treatment.
Nonetheless, this study has some limitations. This study, in which we examined the effects of the RES active ingredient on I/Rep damage, is a pilot study. Studies evaluating I/Rep damage in the lungs with other biomarkers such as cytokines, chemokines, and transcription factors would increase the value of our results. In addition, it would be beneficial to support the apoptosis finding with studies addressing Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), intracellular, and mitochondrial calcium levels. Our study is the first experimental animal model study that addresses the effects of the RES active ingredient on I/Rep damage in the lungs. Therefore, our results should be supported by pharmacologically based studies focused on dose and duration of treatment. On the other hand, in the working model, a group given DMSO alone was formed to eliminate the possibility of the solvent affecting the results.
In conclusion, our study findings show that resveratrol exhibits protective effects against ischemia/ reperfusion injury induced in the lungs through clamping of the infrarenal abdominal aorta. These findings suggest that resveratrol may have a future role among therapeutic methods developed to increase quality of life following ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery and to prevent lung ischemia reperfusion injury.
Declaration of conflicting interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest with respect to
the authorship and/or publication of this article.
Funding
This work was supported by the Recep Tayyip Erdogan
University Scientific Research Support Fund (Grant number:
TSA-2018-884).
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