Effects of short-term hyperoxic ventilation on lung, kidney, heart, and liver in a rat model: A biochemical evaluation

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Despite studies on the adverse effects of hyperoxia, its use is still recommended by the World Health Organization. The aim of this study was to test the possible harmful effects of hyperoxia on the lung, kidney, heart, and liver in a rat mechanical ventilation model. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into two groups (n=6/group): Normoxic (FiO(2): 0.3) or hyperoxic (FiO(2): 1.0) ventilation for 4 h. The injury was evaluated in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), blood, lung, liver, kidney, and heart was evaluated in terms of cell surface integrity, extracellular matrix (sialic acid, syndecan-1), osmotic stress (free hemoglobin), and redox homeostasis-lipid peroxidaation (malondialdehyde). BAL and wet/dry weight ratio were also evaluated for cellular permeability. RESULTS: Four hours of hyperoxic ventilation did not lead to significant changes in (1) sialic acid, syndecan-1, (2) malondialdehyde levels and wet/dry weight ratio in liver, kidney, heart, and lung compared to normoxic ventilation. CONCLUSION: Mechanical ventilation with hyperoxia seems to have almost similar effects compared to ventilation with normoxia. However, the long term effect of hyperoxia should be evaluated.