Effects of luteolin on random pattern skin flaps in rats

Abstract

Luteolin, a natural flavonoid, has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic properties. Studies showed that luteolin protects tissues against ischemia-reperfusion injury on liver, neural tissue, and myocard. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of luteolin on random pattern skin flap in rats. Sixteen rats were randomly divided into two groups (n = 8 each group: luteolin group: Land control group: C). Ten milligram per kilogram of luteolin diluted with saline was given intraperitoneally 30 min before and 12 h after surgery. Tissue samples were taken for biochemical analysis at the first day and at the seventh day for histopathological analysis. Catalase, malondialdehyde (MDA), xanthine oxidase (XO), and nitric oxide (NO) levels were measured with spectrophotometrical method. Edema, inflammatory cell infiltration, necrosis, and fibrosis were evaluated and scored. Flap survival ratios were measured. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS for Windows 15.0. Tissue catalase levels were found significantly higher and MDA levels significantly lower in luteolin group respectively (L 65.38, C 39.80, p = 0.02; L 3.525, C 6.97, p = 0.01). XO and NO levels were found higher in luteolin group, but this difference was not significant (L 0.089, C 0.078, p = 0.17; L 41.75, C 37, p = 0.79). Edema, inflammatory cell infiltration, and necrosis were scored significantly lower in luteolin group (L +, C +++, p = 0.003; L +, C +++, p = 0.0004; L ±, C +++, p = 0.0021). Fibrosis scores were significantly higher in luteolin group (L +++, C +, p < 0.001). Flap survival was significantly higher in luteolin group (L 37.55, C 49.7, p = 0.02). Luteolin has shown beneficial effects on random pattern skin flap in rats. Additional experiments are warranted to investigate the XO and NO mechanisms during ischemic injury. Level of evidence: Not ratable