Polyethylene glycol 35 protects against pancreatic injury in a rat model of ischemia-reperfusion

Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) represents a major challenge in solid organ transplantation, particularly for pancreatic grafts, which are highly susceptible to ischemia. The vascular endothelium, and specifically the endothelial glycocalyx (eGCX), plays a key role in IRI pathogenesis. This study explores the protective effect of a 35-kDa polyethylene glycol (PEG35) in a rat model of pancreatic IRI, induced by 30-min splenic artery occlusion followed by 2 h of reperfusion. PEG35 was administered prophylactically or immediately prior to reperfusion. Both strategies significantly reduced plasma lipase, hyaluronan, and tissue oedema, indicating preservation of both pancreatic and endothelial integrity, while only prophylactic administration lowered lactate dehydrogenase levels. Nitrite concentrations remained unchanged. Other eGCX-related biomarkers such as heparan sulfate proteoglycan, syndecan-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor were undetectable, likely reflecting the model's relatively mild injury severity. These findings suggest that PEG35 affords a moderate yet consistent protection against early pancreatic and endothelial damage following IRI. Prophylactic use may offer enhanced cytoprotection, underscoring PEG35's potential to improve early outcomes in pancreas transplantation.