Effects of TAT-heme oxygenase-1 fusion protein on inflammatory response and liver function during liver cold preservation in rats

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effect of TAT-heine oxygenase-1 (TAT-HO-1) fusion protein on the inflammatory response and liver function during cold preservation of liver in rots. Methods Forty-eight male SD rats weighing 250-300 g were randomly divided into 2 groups according to the type of preservation solution (n=24 each): control group (group C) and TAT-HO-1 fusion protein group (group P). The livers were harvested according to the method described by Kamada. In control group the livers were flushed and preserved with 4℃ HTK solution while in group P the livers were flushed and preserved with 4℃ HTK solution containing TAT-HO-1 fusion protein 50 μg/ml. Liver specimens and preservation solution samples were collected at 0, 6, 12, and 18 h of cold storage. The activities of aspartato amino-transferase (AST), alanine aminu-transferase (ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the preservation solution were analyzed. TNF-α expression in the liver was determined. The liver histomorphology was observed by light microscopy. Results The AST, ALT and LDH activities in the preservation solution and TNF-α expression in the liver were significantly increased time-dependendy during cold storage in both groups. The AST, ALT and LDH activities and TNF-α expression were significantly lower at 6, 12 and 18 h of cold storage in group P than in group C.Conclusion TAT-HO-1 fusion protein can reduce the inflammatory response of the liver during cold storage in rats, and has protective effect on liver function to some extent. Key words: Heme oxygenase (decyclizing); Viral fusion proteins; Liver transplantation; Cryopreservation; Inflammation