The effect of pycnogenol on prevention of ischemia-reperfusion injury in rat hindlimb model

Flaps are widely used for reconstruction of tissue defects in reconstructive surgery. Partial or total failure of flaps with long warm ischemia time is stil a problem to be solved. This experimental study was performed to evaluate the effect of pycnogenol on the prevention of ischemia-reperfusioninjury. Forty male rats weighing between 250-300 grs were used in this study. The rats were divided into 4 groups randomly, 10 rats each. Hindlimb composite island flaps were raised in all rats. In group 1, clamps were applied to the femoral vessels but immediately released without creating ischemia. In group 2, 4 hours of ischemia was created and then 24 hours of reperfusion was performed. In group 3, following 4 hours of ischemia, the rates were administered saline and the flaps were reperfused for 24 hours. In group 4, following 4 hours of ischemia, pycnogenol was administered intraperitoneally and then the flaps were reperused for 24 hours. All rats were sacrificed following 24 hours reperfusion. Blood samples and muscle tissue samples were obtained for testing MPO, Glutathion, MDA, TNF-alfa, IL-2, and IL-10 levels to evaluate reperfusion injury. As a result, there was significant decrease in levels of serum MPO, tissue IL-2 and tissue TNF, serum MDA compared to Group 2. In conclusion, pycnogenol was found to be effective in prevention of ischemia-reperfusion injury. Further studies are needed before clinical application of this drug.