Expression of toll-like receptor 4 in hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury / 中华器官移植杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To analyze the expression and the role of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and the effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on hepatic ischemia- reperfusion (I/R) injury.Methods The rat model of 45 min hepatic ischemia followed by 24 h reperfusion was used. Animals were divided into 3 groups the pseudoperated control group (P), I/R group and treated group with NAC at a dose of 300 mg/kg at 5 min before reperfusion (I/R-NAC). Plasma concentrations of ALT, AST and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at various time points were measured. The expression of TLR4 protein and mRNA was detected in liver tissue by using immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR.Results The TLR4 expression, plasma ALT, AST and LPS levels were markedly increased during 45 min hepatic ischemia and 24 h reperfusion, but they were lower in I/R-NAC group and no alteration almost in group P. The plasma concentrations showed a significant correlation between ALT, AST and LPS at different time points in I/R group and I/R-NAC group.Conclusion LPS and TLR4 play a prominent role in the pathophysiological processes of I/R and NAC can be of therapeutic potential for reducing the expression of TLR4 mRNA and alleviating endotoxemia derived from gut.