Role of Short Chain Fatty Acids in Mesenteric Ischemia Reperfusion Injury in Rats

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of short chain fatty acid administration in mesenteric ischemia reperfusion in rats. Sixteen 60-day-old male Wistar rats were divided into two groups of eight each. In group I (n=8) normal saline (10 ml/kg) was injected into the ileal lumen. Ischemia reperfusion was achieved by clamping the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) for 30 min and then releasing it for another 30 min. The ileum was harvested for histopathological examination. In group II (n=8) a mixture of short chain fatty acids (10 ml/kg) was injected into the ileal lumen. Ischemia reperfusion was achieved in a similar fashion and the ileum harvested for histopathological examination. Injury was graded according to Chiu's score. The ileum in rats from group II showed a lower injury score (0.013+/-0.354) compared to ileum from rats in group I (4.631+/-0.521), and this difference was significant (p<0.001). Short chain fatty acids significantly decreased the degree of reperfusion injury in the gut in a rat model of mesenteric ischemia reperfusion.