A Natural Tetrahydropyrimidine, Ectoine, Ameliorates Ischemia Reperfusion Injury after Intestinal Transplantation in Rats

Abstract

Background/Aims: Ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury after small bowel transplantation leads to inflammatory reactions and loss of structural integrity with subsequent graft contractile dysfunction in the early postoperative phase. The natural tetrahydropyrimidine ectoine (1-,4-,5-,6-tetrahydro-2-methyl-4-pyrimidine carboxylic acid; THP) protects the ileal mucosa and muscularis against effects of I/R injury in an experimental model of isolated graft reperfusion. The effects of THP treatment were evaluated in an established experimental intestinal transplant model. Methods: Isogenic, orthotopic small bowel transplantation was performed in Lewis rats (6 h cold ischemia time). Perioperative THP treatment (intraluminal/intravascular) groups were compared to vehicle-treated animals (after 3 and 24 h) and non-transplanted controls (n = 5/group). Park’s score defined the effects of I/R injury. The infiltration of neutrophils, monocytes and macrophages, mRNA expression of IL-6 and TNF-α, serum levels of IL-6 and NO and smooth muscle contractility were evaluated. Results: Improved graft outcome after intraluminal and intravascular THP treatment was defined by considerably ameliorated neutrophil infiltration and less histological signs of I/R injury (p ≤ 0.05). In the presence of THP, mRNA expression of IL-6 and TNF-α and IL-6 and NO serum levels were reduced and smooth muscle function was improved. Conclusion: THP treatment offers protection against the effects of I/R injury in intestinal transplantation in vivo, however, only as supplementary treatment option.

Effects of Ectoine on Behavior and Candidate Genes Expression in ICV-STZ Rat Model of Sporadic Alzheimer’s Disease

“…Therefore, it can be effective systemically in different diseases. 65 - 67 Regarding previous report, it could successfully prohibit insulin amyloid formation in vitro. 38 …”

Genome analysis of a halophilic bacterium Halomonas malpeensis YU-PRIM-29T reveals its exopolysaccharide and pigment producing capabilities

“…They do so by interacting with the cell's protein and contributing to protein folding and are responsible for increased protein stability 57 . Ectoine is now one of the widely used compatible solute in cosmetic industries as skin protectants and anti-ageing products 58 , in healthcare products as anti-inflammatory agents for treatment of allergies and for the treatment of epithelial derived inflammatory ailments 59 . Currently, H. elongata is the preferred strain for industrial production of ectoine 2 .…”

Ectoine as a promising protective agent in humans and animals

“…Ectoine was also found to protect ileal mucosa against ischaemia and reperfusion injury, which are common complications after the small bowel transplantation (38,39). Alleviating the inflammatory reaction is related to the improvement of intestinal barrier and reduction of cytokine production (33).…”