Investigation of the effect of sildenafil citrate on flap survival and SOD, GPx antioxidant enzymes in random pattern skin flaps

In this study, the effect of sildenafil citrate, a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE 5) enzyme inhibitor, on the survival area of random pattern skin flaps and the effect of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peoxidase (GPx) enzyme activities were investigated. Sildenafil citrate increases the level of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) by inhibiting PDE 5. This causes dilation of the vessels and increased blood flow. In the study, 42 Wistar albino female rats weighing between 200-250 g were used. Rats were divided into 3 groups as sham group (S), experimental group (E) and control group (C). Subgroups were formed as day 1, day 4 and day 7 in groups E and C. In group E, 9 mg/kg/day sildenafil citrate was given intraperitoneally. Tissue samples were taken from the base, centre and the farthest living area of the flap of the sacrificed rats. SOD and GPx enzyme activity values were determined in the tissue samples. When SOD and GPx activities were compared between the groups, the difference was not significant (p>0.05). When the surviving flap areas were compared between the groups, an increase in necrotic area in the C7 group flaps was remarkable. However, there was no statistical difference between the groups in terms of flap survival area percentages (p>0.05).