Effect of Liver Hypothermic Preservation: Exploration and Protection

Background/Aims: The principal aim of conservation is to maintain the viability of grafts. This requires the addition of a cellular protector allowing better conservation of the graft. The aim of this work is to evaluate the effect of trimetazidine (TMZ) addition to Wistar rat livers conserved in Krebs-Henseleit solution, compared to the livers preserved only in Krebs-Henseleit solution (24 h at 4°C). Methods: 40 Wistar female rats divided into 5 groups were used: the first group consists of nonpreserved livers, the second consists of livers preserved only in the Krebs-Henseleit solution, and the other 3 groups consist of livers preserved in Krebs solution with different concentrations of TMZ added (16.5, 49.5 and 165 μg/ml). Results: The obtained results show an improvement in the state of the liver in the presence of a high concentration of TMZ, which approaches normal physiological conditions. We note a clear diminution of transaminase activities, as well as an amelioration in metabolic capacities of the liver if the mitochondrial esterase pathway is supported in Wistar rats by a reduction of histological injuries. Conclusion: A TMZ concentration of 165 μg/ml clearly restored the metabolic capacities of the liver. Indeed, TMZ limited the appearance of necrotic areas and almost suppressed apoptotic cells.