Effects of N-Acetylcysteine on Arterial Neo-Intimal Hyperplasia in Rat Model of Arteriovenous Fistula Publisher Pubmed



Jalaeefar A¹ ; Mohammadi Tofigh A² ; Gharib A³ ; Khandaghy M⁴ ; Rahimi MR⁴ Show Affiliations
Source: Journal of Vascular Access Published:2019

Abstract

Introduction: Arteriovenous fistula is the best choice for vascular access in hemodialysis patients. However, arteriovenous fistula dysfunction is a major clinical issue. The most common cause of arteriovenous fistula failure is intimal hyperplasia. In this study, we have investigated the effect of N-acetylcysteine on neo-intimal hyperplasia after arteriovenous fistula creation in rats. Methods: This study was conducted in 24 rats which were randomly divided into two groups: control and N-acetylcysteine groups. An end-to-side anastomosis was made between the femoral artery and vein. The control group received distilled water intraperitoneally while the animals in N-acetylcysteine group received 300 mg/kg/day of N-acetylcysteine via the same route. After 28 days, the thickness of intima and media was measured using hematoxylin and eosin. Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding age (p = 0.6) and weight (p = 0.1). The mean intima thickness in N-acetylcysteine group was significantly less than control group (17 ± 20 and 119 ± 46 µm, respectively; p < 0.001). The mean intima/media thickness in the N-acetylcysteine group was significantly less than control group (0.5 ± 0.63 vs 2.05 ± 1.17 µm; p < 0.001). Conclusion: N-acetylcysteine is effective in inhibiting neo-intimal hyperplasia in a rat model of arteriovenous fistula. © The Author(s) 2018.