The effect of pentoxifylline on oxidative stress in CO2 pneumoperitoneum

Carbon dioxide (CO2) pneumoperitoneum induces peritoneal oxidative stress. This experimental, randomized, controlled study was designed to investigate the effect of pentoxifylline on oxidative stress induced by CO2 pneumoperitoneum. For this study, 36 Swiss albino rats were randomized into three groups. Arteria, vena femoralis, and peritoneal cavity were cannulated after anesthesia. The arterial pH, partial arterial oxygen pressure (PaO2), venous PO2, arterial and venous PO2 difference (P(a-v)O2), serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) were studied at the end of the first and second hours in group 1 (control). In group 2, 1 cc isotonic NaCl was injected into peritoneal cavity and then CO2 pneumoperitoneum was established. At the end of the first hour of insufflation and one hour after desufflation, the same parameters as in group 1 were studied. In group 3, the CO2 pneumoperitoneum plus pentoxifylline group, all procedures as in group 2 were repeated, with the exception of pentoxifylline (50 mg/kg) injected in place of saline. At the end of the first hour, P(a-v)O2 value in group 2 was significantly less than in the control group (group 1) and group 3 (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in PaO2, pH, AST, and ALT values between groups (p > 0.05). TBARS level in group 1 was significantly lower than in the other groups, but there was no significant difference in TBARS level between groups 2 and 3. At the end of the second hour, TBARS level in group 3 was significantly lower than in group 2 (p < 0.05). Pentoxifylline may reduce the oxidative injury following laparoscopic procedures.