PROFILATIC TREATMENT WITH FOLIC ACID FOR LOWER LIMB ISCHAEMIA-REPERFUSION INJURY IN AGED RATS

Abstract INTRODUCTION Lower limb ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI-LL) is a common major complication in orthopaedic surgery, especially elderly patients. We previously demonstrated that folic acid reduced IRI-LL damage 3–4-month-old rats. Current work analyses the effect of prevention animals. MATERIAL AND METHODS Thirty-six 12-month-old male WAG/RijHsd rats were subjected to 3 hours ischaemia. Eighteen animals received (2.5 mg/kg, ip) 20 minutes before end ischaemia period; other half same volume saline. Animals sacrificed after hours, 24 and 14 days reperfusion for biochemical (tissue markers electrolytes), histopathological studies gastrocnemius muscle, daily assessment function by Rotarod test, respectively. RESULTS The administration prior period 30-40% increase LDH CK observed non-treated (p < 0.0001). When histological sections analysed, was found reduce 20% number damaged muscle fibbers per field (60±17.1 vs 80.7±16.4, p test revealed also led an improvement function, assessed time spend running on rod, when comparing untreated CONCLUSIONS acid, ischemic period, decreases induced IRI-LL, achieving faster recovery mobility.