ABSTRACT Background Ischemia‐reperfusion injury is a critical problem that can occur following multiple clinical procedures. Objectives The study aimed to investigate the effects of bromelain on intestinal damage caused by ischemia‐reperfusion injury in rats. Methods Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into three groups control (CTR, n = 6), intestinal ischemia‐reperfusion (I‐IR, n = 6) and intestinal ischemia reperfusion+bromelain (I‐IR+BRO, n = 6). Bromelain (40 mg/kg) was given orally 30 min before the ischemia period to the animals in I‐IR+BRO group. In the I‐IR and I‐IR+BRO groups, ischemia‐reperfusion was performed with 1‐h ligation of the superior mesenteric artery and 1‐h reperfusion by opening the ligatures. At the end of the reperfusion period, blood and intestinal tissue samples were collected post euthanasia. Blood samples were analysed for ALT, AST, ALP, LDH, BUN and creatinine to assess liver and kidney function. TNF‐α and IL‐1β concentrations were evaluated in both sera and tissue samples to determine the inflammatory response. Finally, Lipid peroxidation of the intestines was assessed by measuring MDA levels. Results ALT, AST, ALP, LDH, BUN and creatinine levels were significantly elevated after I/R, but markedly reduced by BRO treatment. Serum and tissue TNF‐α, IL‐1β concentrations increased in both IR groups in comparison to the CTR group. However, these values decreased in the I‐IR+BRO group when compared to the I‐IR group. Histopathological scores were lower in the I‐I/R+BRO group compared with the I‐I/R group; however, these differences did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion Bromelain administration alleviated the pro‐inflammatory cytokines, and the harmful effects experienced by the intestinal tissues.
Gültekin et al. (Wed,) studied this question.