Expression of Redox Factor-1 in Early Injury Period After Liver Transplantation in Rat Model

Abstract

The aims of this study were to observe the relationship between injury of graft and expression of redox factor-1 (Ref-1) in early period (24 h) after liver transplantation in rat model. One hundred and fifty adult male Wister rats were randomly divided into three groups including liver transplant group, sham surgery group and untreated control group. After liver transplantation, animals were sacrificed at different time points, and the changes and significance of the expression of Ref-1 were then explored by immunohistochemistry, serology and histopathology. As compared with sham surgery group and untreated control group, the expression of Ref-1 protein in transplant group was stronger in early period after liver transplantation. With pathology analysis, lots of infiltrating inflammation cells were found around the portal veins. Hepatic tissues were injury. However, the injury in sham surgery and untreated control group were comparatively slight. The serum ALT and AST levels reached the peak at 6-12 h, and decreased significantly after 12 h. These data suggested that the degree of liver injury in earlier period after transplantation peaked at 6 h and then decreased. And Ref-1 protein induced by hepatic ischemic reperfusion injury might play a critical role in repairing the injury.