Gene expression related to oxidative stress in the heart of mice after intestinal ischemia.

Background: Intestinal ischemia-reperfusion is a frequent clinical event associated to injury in distant organs, especially the heart.

Objective: To investigate the gene expression of oxidative stress and antioxidant defense in the heart of inbred mice subjected to intestinal ischemia and reperfusion (IR).

Methods: Twelve mice (C57BL/6) were assigned to: IR Group (GIR) with 60 minutes of superior mesenteric artery occlusion followed by 60 minutes of reperfusion; Control Group (CG) which underwent anesthesia and laparotomy without IR procedure and was observed for 120 minutes.