Mitochondria-targeted plastoquinone derivative SkQ1 decreases ischemia-reperfusion injury during liver hypothermic storage for transplantation

Abstract

The ability of the mitochondria-targeted plastoquinone derivative 10-(6′-plastoquinonyl)decyl triphenylphosphonium (SkQ1) to decrease ischemia-reperfusion injury in isolated liver during hypothermic storage (HS) was studied. Rat liver was stored for 24 h at 4°C without or in the presence of 1 μM SkQ1 with following reperfusion for 60 min at 37°C. The presence in the storage medium of SkQ1 significantly decreased spontaneous production of reactive oxygen species and intensity of lipid peroxidation in the liver during HS and reperfusion. The GSH level after HS in solution with SkQ1 was reliably higher, but reperfusion leveled this effect. At all stages of experiment the presence of SkQ1 did not prevent the decrease of antioxidant enzyme activities such as catalase, GSH peroxidase, GSH reductase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. The addition of SkQ1 to the storage medium improved energetic function of the liver, as was revealed in increased respiratory control index of mitochondria and ATP level. SkQ1 exhibited positive effect on the liver secretory function and morphology after HS as revealed in enhanced bile flow rate during reperfusion and partial recovery of organ architectonics and state of liver sinusoids and hepatocytes. The data point to promising application of mitochondria-targeted antioxidants for correction of the ischemia-reperfusion injury of isolated liver during long-term cold storage before transplantation. © 2011 Pleiades Publishing, Ltd.