Ultrastructural view of a promising anti TNF-alpha agent on hepatic ischaemia reperfusion injury

BACKGROUND: Ischemia reperfusion causes injury to the liver cells during transplantation, trauma and emergency surgery. We investigated whether the anti TNF-alpha agent, etanercept, can reduce injury in an animal model of ischemia reperfusion owing to the fact that TNF-alpha plays a critical role in the process of inflammation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty rats were divided into three groups: sham (Group 1), control (Group 2), etanercept (5 mg/kg) treatment (Group 3). Ischemia-reperfusion model was carried out by clamping the hepatic pedicle for 45 min and then reperfusing the liver for 60 min. Etanercept (5 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally 5 min prior to reperfusion. At the end of the procedures, blood and liver tissue samples were obtained for biochemical and histopathological assessment. RESULTS: Control and treatment groups showed significant differences in hepatic function tests, plasma and tissue oxidative stress parameters. Samples in the control group histopathologically showed morphologic abnormalities specific to ischemia reperfusion. Histomorphologic findings in the treatment groups showed similar features as the sham group. CONCLUSIONS: Our evidence suggests that TNF-alpha plays a key role in liver ischemia reperfusion injury and etanercept may provide a novel therapeutic approach for patients undergoing liver surgical procedure