Effect of melatonin on GRP-78 and CHOP expression in transplant liver tissues of rats / 器官移植

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the function of melatonin (MEL)on liver transplantation by detecting the effect of MEL on glucose regulated protein-78 (GRP-78)and CCAAT enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP)involved in the endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)pathways in livers of rats with liver transplantation.Methods The rat orthotopic liver transplantation model was established by using‘magnetic-loop method’.Male SD rats were randomized into 3 groupsthe sham operation group (Sham group),the orthotopic liver transplantation group (OLT group)and the orthotopic liver transplantation +MEL treatment group (OLT +MEL group),8 rats in each group.Serum sample and liver sample were collected at 24 h after operation.Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT)and aspartate aminotransferase (AST)levels were detected.Liver tissues were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE)and pathological changes of liver tissues of each group were observed.The messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA)and protein expression levels of GRP-78 and CHOP were detected by polymerase chain reaction and Western blot.Results Compared with the Sham group,the serum ALT and AST of the OLT group increased significantly (both in P <0.01 ),liver tissues injury was serious,and mRNA and protein expression levels of GRP-78 and CHOP increased significantly (all in P <0.01).Compared with the OLT group,ALT and AST of the OLT +MEL group decreased significantly (both in P <0.05),liver tissues injury was alleviated,and mRNA and protein expression levels of GRP-78 and CHOP decreased significantly (all in P <0.05 ).Conclusions MEL may reduce mRNA and protein expression levels of GRP-78 and CHOP involved in the ERS pathways of transplant liver,which may be one of its mechanisms to alleviate liver injury after liver transplantation.