Protective Effect of Citrulline on the Hearts of Rats with Sepsis Induced by Cecal Ligation and Puncture

PURPOSE: To investigate the protective effect of citrulline (Cit) on the hearts of rats with sepsis. METHODS: Wistar rats were divided into the normal, sham-operated, CLP, Cit, and CLP+Cit groups. Routine blood tests were performed, and the blood biochemical indexes were measured. Pathological changes in the cardiac tissues were observed. The levels of NO and iNOS in blood and SOD activity and MDA levels in the heart were measured. RESULTS: Less inflammatory cell infiltration of the myocardial fibers and significantly decreased white blood cell count, absolute neutrophil count, neutrophil percentage, CK, HBDH, and NO (all P<0.05) were detected in the CLP+Cit group compared with the CLP group. In addition, SOD activity and MDA levels in heart tissues were, respectively, higher and lower in the CLP+Cit group than in the CLP group (both P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Cit reduces pathological damage in the heart and enhances the heart's antioxidant capacity, thereby protecting cardiomyocytes.