Time-related Evidence of Intestinal Oxidative Stress in Obstructive Jaundice-Induced Rats

Introduction: Obstructive jaundice is known to affect intestinal permeability and facilitate bacterial translocation through related mechanisms. This study was conducted to evaluate the alterations concerning blood biochemistry and levels of several markers of oxidative stress (OS) in blood and intestinal mucosa caused by obstructive jaundice and how these fluctuate over time, in order to further explore the possibility of intervening in the OS path in future experiments. Methods: A total of 54 albino Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups (control, sham-operated, and bile duct ligation) and sacrificed at specific time intervals (12 h and 2, 7, and 14 days). The intestinal barrier function was evaluated by measuring endotoxin levels in portal, aortic, and peripheral blood. Also, basic biochemical parameters were simultaneously measured in peripheral blood. Tissue samples collected from the terminal ileum were homogenized for determining the OS markers, lipid peroxidation and protein free radical-induced oxidation. Results: We designed this experiment to examine the alterations in enteric mucosa primarily in relation to OS in a period of 14 days. During this time period, we investigated in specific time intervals not only OS fluctuations but also other liver function parameters, as well as CRP and endotoxin levels. The alterations were monitored in relation to time after bile duct ligation. Conclusion: Bile duct ligation in rats causes OS versus post ligation time progression of the common bile duct. OS was increased by similar to 50% compared to control/sham and peaked at 7 days and at least up to 14-day post-ligation. This phenomenon was accompanied with a deranging of liver function after ligation, as anticipated, but not in all measured parameters; biochemical and endotoxin levels followed the same pattern.

Automated summary

This study investigated the effects of obstructive jaundice on intestinal permeability and markers of oxidative stress in blood and intestinal mucosa. The results showed that obstructive jaundice increases oxidative stress and alters liver function. These findings provide insight into the pathophysiology of obstructive jaundice.