The protective effects of epigallocatechin gallate against distant organ damage after severe skin burns - Experimental study using a rat model of thermal trauma

Abstract

Background: Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a green tea polyphenol, has potent antioxidant properties. Objectives. The purpose of the present study was to examine the possible preventative effects of EGCG against internal organ injury due to large-surface skin burns in a rat model. Material and Methods: The study design involved three groups of rats: a sham group and two groups with 25-30% full-thickness burns: (a) the sham group without burns or treatment (n = 18); (b) the control burn group (burns + sterile saline, n = 18); and (c) the burn treatment group (burns + treatment with EGCG, n = 18). EGCG was administered intraperitoneally immediately after the thermal injury, and daily in 100 μmol/kg doses. Kidney and lung tissue samples were taken to determine the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) after the first, third and seventh post-burn days. Results: In the EGCG-treated burn group, SOD and GPX activity were significantly higher than in the burn control group. Additionally, MDA and TNF-a levels were significandy lower in the EGCG-treated burn group. Conclusions: Based on this study, it might be anticipated that EGCG treatment may be beneficial in burn injury cases