The effects of β-glucan on iron levels and lipid peroxidation in intra-abdominal sepsis in rats.

Sepsis is defined as a systemic response of organisms to microorganisms and toxins. Sepsis is associated with the enhanced generation of reactive oxygen metabolites, leading to multiple organ dysfunctions. β-glucan is accepted to be one of the most powerful immune response modifiers. The aim of this study was to investigate the putative protective effect of β-glucan on changes of iron and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in various tissue and blood after experimental sepsis in rats. Sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and perforation (CLP) in 32 male Wistar albino rat. To evaluate this, rats were divided into four groups as sham operated, β-glucan treated sham operated, CLP and β-glucan treated CLP. Sixteen hours after operation, rats were decapitated and MDA and iron levels were measured in the liver, kidney, heart, diaphragm tissues and blood. Also, whole tissue histopathology was evaluated by a light microscope. The results demonstrate that sepsis significantly decreased iron levels of all tissues and blood. The decrease in tissue iron levels and the increase MDA levels demonstrate the role of trace elements and free radicals in sepsis-induced tissue damage. Our results indicate that the given dose of β-glucan was probably insufficient to prevent sepsis-induced organ injury.