[Effect of early nutritional support on plasma superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde and nitric oxide in rats with burns in a hot and humid environment].

Objective: To observe the changes of plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) in rats with combined stress of burn injury and hot and humid environment.

Methods: The rats with superficial second-degree scald were subjected to intragastric administration of double-distilled water for one week (control group) or treated with ascorbic acid and L-arginine mixed with a-Tocopherol for one week (treatment group). All the rats were exposed to the same hot and humid environment of Td 37+/-0.5 degrees C with relative humidity of 65%+/-5% for 1-2 h. Observation was performed at 1, 2, 4, and 10 h after the heat exposure, respectively.

Results: SOD and MDA changes were significantly different between the two groups (P<0.01, P<0.05). In the control group, NO levels at 1 h were significantly different from those measured at 2 and 6 h after the exposure (P<0.01, P<0.05).

Conclusion: Early nutritional support can significantly reduce the stress organ injuries, and prevent complications following injury in a hot and humid environment.