Superoxid dismutase activity in portal vein endothelium after partial liver resection

Abstract

To investigate superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the portal vein endothelium and malondialdehyde acid (MDA) production in liver tissue of rats submitted to 70% hepatectomy. Twelve rats were distributed in two groups (hepatectomy and sham). Animals were sacrificed on post operative day 1 and portal vein, liver tissue and blood samples were collected. Portal vein SOD production was measured using lucigenin-amplified chemiluminescence assays. MDA measurement was used as an index of oxidative stress through the formation of TBARS (Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Species). There was no difference in post operative bilirubin, AST, ALT levels between groups. DHL level was higher in the hepatectomy group (p=0.01). MDA production in the remnant liver tissue and endothelial portal vein SOD activity were also significantly (p<0.05) elevated in the hepatectomy group when compared to control group. There was no correlation between MDA and SOD activity. SOD activity, on the other hand, showed a positive correlation with LDH level (p=0.038) and MDA levels showed a positive correlation with AST and ALT levels (p<0.001). There is an increased production of malondialdehyde acid in liver tissue after partial hepatectomy and increased activity of superoxide dismutase in portal vein endothelium as well.