The effect of granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor on glutathione and lipid peroxidation in a rat model

Aims: Irradiation decreases incisional healing and produces oxygen radicals that damage cells. Because of the lipid component in the membrane, lipid peroxidation is reported to be particularly susceptible to radiation damage. Glutathione acts as a cosubstrate in the enzymatic repair of radiation damage. The aim of this study is to examine the role of granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in incisional skin wounds by investigating lipid peroxidation and reduced glutathione levels in the irradiated rats. Methods: Rats were irradiated with cobalt 60 and a dorsal skin incision was made 2 days after irradiation. Rats were divided into four groups: group 1: control; group 2: GM-CSF administered; group 3. irradiated control group; group 4: irradiated and GM-CSF administered group. Results: By irradiation, a marked lipid peroxidation increase was demonstrated. Two days after irradiation, in animals given total body irradiation (TBI), application of a single topical dose of GM-CSF decreased lipid peroxidation of the tissue decreased significantly. By drug administration, the GSH content of the skin increased both in the irradiated and non-irradiated groups. Conclusions: Our results suggest that GM-CSF modulate lipid peroxidation and GSH of the skin wound. (C) 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.