Beneficial Effects of Quercetin on Ischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Liver Injury in an Animal Model

Background: Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced liver injury, which may lead to organ failure, is a major complication of hepatic surgery. I/R-induced liver injury is exacerbated by oxidative and nitrogen stress. Although quercetin, a plant-derived flavonoid, is a potent antioxidant, only a few studies focused on the effects of quercetin on I/R-induced liver injury.
Aim of Study: In this study, the effects of quercetin were examined in an animal model of I/R-induced liver injury.
Methods: F344 rats were divided into a negative control group and a group treated with intraperitoneal administration of quercetin (100 mg/kg). In both groups, the portal vein was ligated for 60 min to induce ischemia. Blood was collected after 60 min of reperfusion. Serum transaminase levels, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-
levels, and blood nitrotyrosine levels were measured. Livers were excised for histological examination.
Results and Conclusion: Serum transaminases, TNF-
, and nitrotyrosine levels were significantly lower in the quercetin-treated group compared with the levels in the negative control group. Liver damage was reduced in the quercetin-treated group compared with the negative control group. These results suggest that quercetin may attenuate the effects of I/R injury via antioxidative effects that inhibit proinflammatory cytokine production.