Investigation of the protective effect of n-acetylcysteine and ethyl pyruvate on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in an experimental ischemic stroke model

Aim Stroke is the third major cause of death worldwide after coronary artery disease and cancer, but occupies first place among those diseases resulting in disability. Early diagnosis of patients presenting to the emergency department with stroke is important in terms of treatment and preventing complications. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of N-acetylcysteine and ethyl pyruvate in preventing ischemia/reperfusion injury with histopathological evaluation and SCUBE1, IMA and MDA measurements. Materials and Methods Following ethical committee approval, the study was performed experimentally on rats weighing a mean 250 gr. Twenty-one female rats were divided into four groups of seven members each. Blood and tissue specimens were collected following the procedure from various rat groups with induced acute ischemia. SCUBE1, IMA and MDA levels were investigated in the induced ischemia and control groups. The brain tissues obtained were examined histopathologically. Results Degenerative neuron percentages were higher in Group 1 compared to groups 2 and 3 (pa = 0.003 and pc =0.003, respectively). A significant difference was also determined between groups 2 and 3 (p=0.003), with degenerative neuron percentages in the group receiving NAC being significantly lower than those in the ethyl pyruvate group. No differences in IMA, SCUBE1 and MDA levels between the all groups. Conclusion We conclude that the use of NAC and ethyl pyruvate together with appropriate thrombolytic therapy in patients with acute ischemic stroke can prevent ischemia-reperfusion injury. Key words: ischemia reperfusion injury, neuroprotective agents, acute ıschemic stroke, N-acetylcysteine, Ethyl pyruvate, thrombolytic therapy