ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) preconditioning on liverinjury in a rat model of traumatic shock.MethodsForty-eight maleWistar ratsaged 3 months weighing 240-260 g were randomly divided into 4 groups ( n =12 each) sham operation group (group S) ; group S + ω-3 PUFA; traumatic shock group (group TS) and group TS + ω-3 PUFA.In groups S + ω-3 PUFA and group TS + ω-3 PUFA,ω-3 PUFA 2 ml/kg was injected via the caudal vein at 12 and 2 h before induction of traumatic shock.In groups S and TS,normal saline was given instead of ω-3 PUFA.Traumatic shock was induced by fracture of femur and hemorrhage in groups TS and TS + ω-3 PUFA.The arterial blood samples were taken at 2 h after induction of traumatic shock for determination of serum activities of ALT,AST and concentrations of 8-iso-prostagiandin F2,(8-iso-PGF2α) and TNF-α.The liver was removed for determination of levels of SOD and MDA,glutathione (GSH)and microscopic examination.ResultsCompared with group S,the serum ALT,AST,8-iso-PGF2α and TNF-α levels and MDA content in the livertissues and score of liverinjury were significantly increased,but the livertissues levels of SOD,GSH were decreased in groups TS and TS + ω-3 PUFA( P < 0.01 ).Compared with group TS,the serum ALT,AST,8-iso-PGF2α and TNF-α levels and MDA content in the livertissues and score of liverinjury were significantly decreased,but SOD activity and GSH content in the livertissues were increased in group TS + ω-3 PUFA( P < 0.05 or 0.01 ).Conclusionω-3 PUFA preconditioning can reduced liverinjury in a rat model of traumatic shock through inhibiting lipid peroxidation and inflammatory reaction.