Nitrite Infusion is a Successful Treatment for Rat Model of Crush Syndrome

Crush syndrome (CS) is characterized by ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) in skeletal muscle caused by direct trauma, injury, and compression. Skeletal muscle destruction following IRI induces massive generation of reactive oxygen species and subsequent systemic inflammation. Recent studies demonstrate that ischemic pre- and post-conditioning attenuate IRI by enhancing nitric oxide (NO) synthase activation and nitrite reduction to NO. The protective effect of nitrite infusion on experimental IRI also has been demonstrated in heart, kidney, liver, and skeletal muscle. Based on the recent progress in therapeutic strategies against CS, we discuss NO-mediated signaling involvement in CS, and utility of nitrite infusion as a pharmacological intervention in the treatment of CS.