Methylene blue as an antioxidant agent in experimentally-induced injury in rat liver.

BACKGROUND

We aimed to test the methylene blue (MB) as a dye and also to test its antioxidant activities in devascularization-induced liver injury.

METHODS

Twenty rats weighing 240-280 g were randomly divided into two groups, each containing 10 rats. High-grade liver injury was induced by using a pair of long pliers with blades. MB was injected into portal vein of the rats with no hepatic injury (Group 1; control group) and those with injured livers (Group 2; injury group). Liver and hepatic function tests, paraoxonase, stimulated paraoxonase, arylesterase activity, total antioxidant, and oxidant status were evaluated before and 24 h after MB injection.

RESULTS

MB did not stain the non-perfused area. Total antioxidant status decreased significantly in Group 2 at hour 24 compared to Group 1. In Group 2, total antioxidant status was lower at hour 24 compared to hour 0. Total oxidant status in Group 2 at hour 0 increased significantly compared to Group 1. Total oxidant status in Group 2 at hour 24 was lower compared to that at hour 0. Lipid peroxidation parameters did not alter due to devascularization.

CONCLUSION

MB is useful in defining the devascularization area. Moreover, it showed to have a beneficial effect on oxidant status (Tab. 3, Fig. 3, Ref. 25).