Investigation of the protective effects of hydroxytyrosol on erythrocyte deformability during hind limb ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury significantly reduces erythrocyte deformability, leading to increased oxidative stress, inflammation, and impaired microvascular perfusion. This study aimed to examine the protective effects of hydroxytyrosol (HT), a powerful antioxidant derived from olives, on erythrocyte deformability and related oxidative stress markers in a rat model of hind limb ischemia-reperfusion injury. METHODS: Twenty-four rats were randomly divided into four groups: Sham, HT-Sham, ischemia-reperfusion (IR), and IR treated with HT (IR-HT). HT was administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 10 mg/kg prior to ischemia induction. Following reperfusion, biochemical parameters, including malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), erythrocyte deformability, and morphology, were evaluated. RESULTS: HT administration significantly improved erythrocyte deformability, decreased MDA levels, increased SOD activity, and moderated eNOS expression in the IR-HT group compared to the untreated IR group (p<0.001). Morphological analysis demonstrated substantial preservation of erythrocyte integrity, with fewer pathological changes such as echinocytes and dacrocytes. CONCLUSION: This study provides preliminary insights into the protective mechanisms of HT, highlighting its therapeutic potential in reducing erythrocyte dysfunction and oxidative damage during ischemia-reperfusion events. Further research exploring comprehensive signaling pathways and long-term clinical outcomes is advisable..