Nitric Oxide Modulation as a Potential Molecular Mechanism Underlying the Protective Role of NaHS in Liver Ischemia Reperfusion Injury

Background: Liver IR is a frequent clinical complication with high morbidity and mortality. The present study evaluated the possible protective effect of sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS), a H2S donor, in IR-induced hepatic injury and explored the mechanisms of actions of the investigated drug. Methods: Male albino rats (200-230 g) were divided into the following groups: group 1:Sham-operated non treated rats, group 2: IR non treated rats, group 3: L-NNA + IR rats, group 4: NaHS + IR rats, group 5: L-NNA + NaHS + IR rats. Blood samples were collected for ALT determination. Liver tissue samples were used for the assessment of GPx, catalase, SOD, MDA, total nitrites and TNF-alpha. Parts from the liver were fixed in 10% formalin solution for histopathological examination and immunohistochemical examination of iNOS, eNOS and caspase-3. Results: NaHS protected the liver against IR. This hepatoprotection was associated with normalization of antioxidant enzyme activity and decrease in hepatic MDA, TNF-alpha and expression of caspase-3 and iNOS. Conclusion: NaHS is hepatoprotective in IR injury. The hepatoprotective effects of NaHS are associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects. These effects are probably mediated via NO modulation.