Effect of ischemia-reperfusion on the autophagy and interferon regulatory factor 1 expression in mouse livers

Abstract

Objective To explore the effect of ischemia-reperfusion (IR) on autophagy and interferon regulatory factor 1(IRF-1) expression in mouse liver. Methods Hepatic IR injury (IRI) model was established in C57BL/6 mice, and the serum AST and ALT levels were tested in all groups (Sham and IR) at 2 h, 6 h, 12 h and 24 h, respectively. Histopathological feature of IRI was observed, and autophagosomes changes were observed by transmission electron microscope. LC3 expression was detected by immunofluorescence and cell apoptosis was detected by TUNEL assay. IRF-1 mRNA and IRF-1, LC3 and Beclin1 protein were detected by RT-PCR and western blot, respectively. Results As the reperfusion progressed, serum AST and ALT levels in the mice were increased and peaked at 12 h. Hepatocyte swelling, hepatic sinusoids narrowing, inflammatory cell infiltration and hepatocyte necrosis were observed in the livers from IR group. Compared with Sham group, there was a significant increase on the number of autophagosomes in IR group. In addition, apoptotic cells were also significantly increased. The expression of IRF-1, Beclin1, and LC3 levels were up-regulated in IR group compared to Sham group. Conclusion IR could activate autopha-gy to cause hepatocyte damage, which may be related to the up-regulation of IRF-1. Key words: Ischemia-reperfusion; Hepatocytes; Autophagy; Interferon regulatory factor 1