ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the dynamic changes of fetuin-A expression and the influences of the changes on liver damage, hepatocyte apoptosis and inflammation in a mouse fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) model.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The changes of fetuin-A expression were investigated by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot. Immunohistochemical staining was used in TNFa and fetuin-A detection. Hepatocyte apoptosis was detected by TUNEL.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Fetuin-A mRNA expression decreased after the FHF model was established for 3 hours (compared with the normal group, P less than 0.01), while the protein expression decreased after nine hours (compared with the normal group, P less than 0.01). Fetuin-A expressions were negatively correlated with the liver pathological scores and TNFa levels.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>In our mouse FHF model, fetuin-A is a possible protective factor for liver damage.</p>