Investigation of effect of N-acetylcysteine and ethyl pyruvate on brain, heart, lung, renal and muscle tissue ischemia-reperfusion injury in experimental electrical burn model

Objectives In our study, with experimental electrical burn modelling, determination of histopathological effectiveness of using EP (ethyl pyruvate) and NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) in reducing organ injury caused by electrical burns was planned. Materials and Methods The study, after being granted with ethics comitee approval, was performed on Wistar female rats weighing approximately 250 g. Rats were divided in 4 groups (7 rats in each): First one was the sham group. Second group consisted of rats submitted to burn using 600 V of electricity. Third group consisted of rats recieving NAC treatment (20mg/kg) 1 hour after being submitted to burn using 600 V of electricity. Fourth group consisted of rats recieving EP treatment (50mg/kg) 1 hour after being submitted to burn using 600 V of electricity. Histopathological specimens of heart, kidney, striated muscles, brain and lung tissues were obtained 24 hours after the procedure. Statistical analysis was performed among the obtained data. Findings Considerable injury of electrical burns in heart, striated muscles, kidney and brain tissues was identified. Between the control group and NAC and EP applied group of rats with total heart and total striated muscle injuries, statistical significance in reducing injury score was seen (p=0.001 and p=0.001, respectively). Considering the total kidney injury, statistically significant differences between the control group and NAC and EP applied group was identified in reducing injury (p=0.002 and p=0.001, respectively). Considering brain damage, statistical significance between control group and NAC and EP applied groups in reducing neuronal degeneration was determined (p=0.004 and p=0.001, respectively). Results Electrical burns caused injury in heart, striated muscles, kidney and brain tissues. These injuries could be reduced by NAC and EP treatment. However, further studies and clinical trials are required for using these agents in clinics. Keywords Emergency, electrical burns, NAC, EP