Increased Antioxidant Capacity, Suppression of Free Radical Damage and Erythrocyte Aggrerability after Combined Application of Alpha-Tocopherol and FC-43 Perfluorocarbon Emulsion in Early Postburn Period in Rats

Abstract

Certain rheological disorders such as enhanced aggregation and reduced deformability of erythrocytes are closely associated with microcirculatory disturbances, decreased tissue oxygen supply and represent a major problem in severely burnt patients [1–4]. Vitamin E (α-tocopherol) and vitamin A (retinol) exert an important plasma antioxidant properties against free radical-induced damage [11, 12]. They possess chain-breaking properties and act as synergists [13]. Plasma antioxidant capacity may be decreased in severely burnt patients as a result of the enhanced consumption and inadequate restoration of antioxidants in the conditions of activated peroxidative process [14]. Treatment with α-tocopherol suppresses lipid peroxidation in blood and therefore improves erythrocyte rheology [15].

Perfluorocarbon emulsions improve microcirculation and rheological blood properties [16–18] and preserve the structure and function of endothelial cells [19]. The very small particle size, low viscosity and high oxygen carrying capacity ensure their penetration into the microvasculature even under conditions of ischemia and acidosis [20, 21]. Perfluorocarbons have been reported to inhibit leukocyte activation and superoxide radical production [22].

The aim of the present study was to examine the antioxidant capacity, free radical mediated damage and erythrocyte aggregation in plasma of rats with thermal skin injury in the early postburn period and to evaluate the effect of treatment with α-tocopherol and FC-43 perfluorocarbon emulsion alone and in combination.

We might conclude that thermal skin injury in rats reduces the antioxidant capacity, enhances free radical mediated damage and erythrocyte aggregation on the third hour after injury. The combined application of α-tocopherol and FC-43 perfluorocarbon emulsion immediately after thermal skin injury in rats increases plasma antioxidant capacity, decreases free radical mediated damage of erythrocytes and suppresses their aggregation on the third hour after the injury.