Serum of limb remote ischemic postconditioning inhibits fMLP-triggered activation and reactive oxygen species releasing of rat neutrophils

OBJECTIVES: The study explores the protective role of the peripheral serum of limb remote ischemic postconditioning (LRIP) in reducing the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and neutrophil activation, which are responsible for the deleterious reperfusion injury. METHODS: LRIP was induced in Sprague–Dawley rats by three cycles of 5 min occlusion /5 min reperfusion on the left hind limb. The blood samples were collected before LRIP or 0 and 1 h after LRIP (named Serum(Sham), Serum(LRIP0), Serum(LRIP1), respectively). The effects of LRIP serum on ROS level and neutrophils activation were determined. The expression of MyD88-TRAF6-MAPKs and PI3K/AKT pathways in neutrophils were examined. RESULTS: When compared with Serum(Sham), Serum(LRIP0) and Serum(LRIP1) significantly reduced the ROS released from neutrophils activated by fMLP. Meanwhile, the mRNA expression levels of NADPH oxidase subunit p22(phox) and multiple ROS-producing related key proteins, such as NADPH oxidase subunit p47(phox) ser 304, ser 345. MyD88, p-ERK, p-JNK and p-P38 expression of neutrophils were downregulated by Serum(LRIP0) and Serum(LRIP1). Serum(LRIP1) also downregulated p47(phox) mRNA expression and tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) protein expression. CONCLUSION: LRIP serum protects against ROS level and neutrophils activation involving the MyD88-TRAF6-MAPKs. This finding provides new insight into the understanding of LRIP mechanisms.