The effect of oleanolic acid on ischemia-reperfusion damage in the rat inferior epigastric artery skin flap model.

OBJECTIVE The present study aimed to investigate the effects of oleanolic acid (OA) on I/R injury in a rat groin flap model.

METHOD 21 male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 7): Group I (sham), Group II (I/R), and Group III (OA+I/R). OA was administered intraperitoneally for five pre-operative days. Flap elevation was performed on the 6th day, and the subjects were exposed to 2 h of ischemia followed by reperfusion. Biochemical and histopathological parameters were evaluated.

RESULTS Group 3 presented a significantly diminished mean total oxidant stress relative to Group 2 (p = 0.002). Furthermore, a significant increase in total antioxidant capacity levels was observed in Group 3 compared to Group 2 (p = 0.048). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of inflammation and edema (p > 0.05). Necrosis did not develop in any of the samples.

CONCLUSION This study revealed that OA significantly reduces oxidative stress and increases antioxidant capacity, potentially benefiting therapies for I/R injuries.