Caffeic acid phenethyl ester prevents intestinal reperfusion injury in rats

Background/Purpose: Ischemia-reperfusion injury is encountered frequently in conditions that diminish intestinal blood flow. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), which is a specific component of the honeybee hive product propolis, exhibits potential antioxidant: properties. This experimental study was designed to determine the effect of CAFE on ischemia-reperfusion injury in rat intestine. Methods: Fifty rats were divided into 5 groups: sham (SH), saline ischemia (SI), saline reperfusion (SR), CARE ischemia (CI), and CARE reperfusion (CR). Either CAFE, 10 mu mol/kg, or saline was administered intraperitoneally 30 minutes before ischemia. Intestinal ischemia for 30 minutes and reperfusion for 60 minutes were applied. Ileum specimens were obtained to determine the tissue levels of malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and histological changes. Results Malondialdehyde levels in the CR group did not increase after reperfusion when compared with the CI group. However, statistically significant differences were observed between the SR and SI groups. Additional mucosal injury in the CR group when compared with the CI group was not observed. Whereas, there was a statistically significant increase in mucosal injury in the SR group. Reperfusion did not cause further injuries through both biochemical and histological parameters in the CR group. Conclusions: Results of this study showed that prophylactic administration of CAFE in ischemic condition prevents reperfusion injuries by eliminating oxygen radicals and inhibiting polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration. CARE may be useful in combating the diseases of oxidative stress. J Pediatr Surg 34:1458-1462. Copyright (C) 1999 by W.B. Saunders Company.