Effects of drugs used in endotoxic shock on oxidative stress and organ damage markers

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of enrofloxacin (ENR), flunixin meglumine (FM) and dexamethasone (DEX) on antioxidant status and organ damage markers in experimentally-induced endotoxemia. Rats were divided into three groups. To induce endotoxemia, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was injected into all groups, including the positive control. The two other groups received the following drugs (simultaneously with LPS): ENR FM low-dose DEX and ENR FM high-dose DEX. After the treatments, blood samples were collected at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24 and 48 h. Oxidative stress parameters were determined by ELISA, while serum organ damage markers were measured by autoanalyser. LSP increased (p < 0.05) malondialdehyde, 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F2α and nitric oxide, while LPS reduced vitamin C. These changes were especially inhibited (p < 0.05) by ENR FM high-dose DEX. LPS increased organ damages markers. Cardiac and hepatic damage was not completely inhibited by any treatment, whereas renal damage was inhibited by two treatments. This study suggested that ENR FM high-dose DEX is most effective in the LPS-caused oxidative stress and organ damages. © 2010 Informa UK Ltd.