Ameliorating Effects of β-Glucan on Epigastric Artery Island Flap Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury.

Background: Ischemia-reperfusion injury has been one of the culprits of tissue injury and flap loss after island flap transpositions. Thus, significant research has been undertaken to study how to prevent or decrease the spread of ischemia-reperfusion injury. Preventive effects of β-glucan on ischemia-reperfusion injury in the kidney, lung, and small intestine have previously been reported. In this study, we present the ameliorating effects of β-glucan on ischemia-reperfusion injury using the epigastric artery island-flap in rats.

Materials And Methods: Thirty Wistar-Albino rats were equally divided into three groups: sham, experimental model, and treatment groups. In the sham group, an island flap was elevated and sutured back to the original position without any ischemia. In the experimental model group, the same-sized flap was elevated and sutured back with 8 h of ischemia and consequent 12 h of reperfusion. In the treatment group, 50 mg per kilogram β-glucan was administered to the rats using an orogastric tube for 10 d before the experiment. The same-sized flap is elevated and sutured back to its original position with 8 h of ischemia and 12 h of consequent reperfusion in the treatment group. Tissue biopsies were taken on the first day of the experimental surgery. Tissue neutrophil aggregation and vascular responses were evaluated by histological examinations. Tissue oxidant and antioxidant enzyme levels are evaluated biochemically after tissue homogenization. Topographic follow-up and evaluation of the flaps were maintained, and photographs were taken on the first and seventh day of the experimental surgery.

Results: Topographic flap survival was significantly better in the β-glucan administered group. The neutrophil number, malondialdehyde, and myeloperoxidase levels were significantly lower while glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase levels were significantly higher in the β-glucan administered group respective to the experimental model group.

Conclusions: Based on the results of our study, we can conclude that β-glucan is protective against ischemia-reperfusion injury. Our study presents the first experimental evidence of such an effect on skin island flaps.