A novel hydroxyl radical scavenger, nicaraven, protects the liver from warm ischemia and reperfusion injury

Background: Reactive Oxygen Species have been considered to be involved in liver injury at the procurement, preservation, and transplantation from donors without beating hearts. A novel hydroxyl radical scavenger, nicaraven with hydrophilic and lipophilic properties, infiltrates both intracellular and extracellular spaces where it effectively scavenges Reactive Oxygen Species. Protection by nicaraven against ischemia and reperfusion damage of the brain, heart, and kidneys has been shown. The effect of this agent on the liver remains unclear.

Methods: Two-hour total hepatic vascular exclusion was used. Eighteen beagle dogs were randomly assigned to 2 groups: 12 Animals were not treated (group I) and 6 were treated with nicaraven (group II). Nicaraven was administered intravenously (2mg/kg/min) for 60 minutes before ischemia and for 3 hours, starting 30 minutes before reperfusion.

Results: Two-week survival rates were 25% in group I and 100% in group II (P <.01). Nicaraven inhibited lipid peroxidation in the liver, improved hepatic and systemic hemodynamics and energy metabolism, and suppressed liver Enzyme release, endothelin-1 elevation in hepatic venous blood, histologic damage, and neutrophil infiltration into the liver.

Conclusions: Nicaraven exerted hepatic protection against warm ischemia and reperfusion injury. This may indicate nicaraven as a potential candidate to attenuate liver injury from warm ischemia and preservation in transplantation from donors without beating hearts.