ABSTRACT
Objective To study the effects of decoy strategy targeted to NF-KB on the development of trauma-associated liver inflammation in rats. Methods In this study, 108 Wistar rats were randomized into 3 groups: control group, traumatic inflammation group and traumatic inflammation plus decoy ODN group. Rats were sacrificed on 3,6,12,24,48 and 72hrs in each group respectively. Liver functions and structural changes were examined and compared between the groups. DNA binding activity of NF-KB in liver tissue was measured by EMSA. TNF-α and IL-6 gene expressin in liver tissue was assessed by RT-PCR and TNF-α and IL-6 protein level was determined by ELISA. Results The DNA binding activity of NF-kB in liver rose at 3 hours after induction of liver inflammation following trauma and peaked at 12 hours. Correspondingly, both the mRNA and protein levels of TNF-α and IL-6 elevated significantly, as well as the serum alanine aminotransferase level culminating at 24 hours after surgery. Hepatocytes was edematous, degeneration and necrosis, with dramatic destruction of lobular structures. All these changes were significantly inhibited with NF-KB decoy oligodeoxynucleotides. Conclusions Decoy oligodeoxynucleotides specifically inhibit the activity of NF-kB, and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α and IL-6 release from the liver in response to traumatic inflammation decrease, hence the injury on liver structures and functions were alleviated.