How important is the damage to the liver after lower limb ischemia-reperfusion? An experimental study in a rat model

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of lower extremity ischemia reperfusion on the liver and the effect of ischemia-reperfusion on the liver itself in a rat model. Methods: Thirty Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly divided into three groups including 10 in each group: sham (Group 1), lower limb ischemia-reperfusion (Group 2), and liver ischemia-reperfusion (Group 3). In Group 2, one hour of left lower limb ischemia was performed. In Group 3, one hour of ischemia in the liver was performed, followed by 24 hours of reperfusion. After reperfusion, the liver tissues were removed, and the groups were evaluated biochemically and histologically. Results: The liver malondialdehyde levels were significantly higher in Groups 2 and 3 than in the sham group (p<0.001). In Group 2, the malondialdehyde levels were significantly higher than in Group 3 (p=0.019). The glutathione levels in the liver were significantly lower in Groups 2 and 3 than in the sham group (p<0.001). However, the glutathione levels were significantly higher in Group 2 than in Group 3 (p=0.005). In the histological evaluation, although the liver damage score was higher in Group 3 than in Group 2 (p=0.015), there was no significant difference between the two groups in TUNEL(+) cell number (p>0.05). Conclusion: Reperfusion injury in the liver after lower limb ischemia-reperfusion is as important as ischemia-reperfusion injury which is specifically induced in the liver. This should be taken into account, particularly in reperfusion surgeries following vascular trauma or in cases of leg tourniquets to stop bleeding after lower limb vascular trauma.