Rho-associated coiled-coil forming protein kinase 1 expression in different stages of hepatic fibrosis

Abstract

Objective To investigate the expression of Rho-associated coiled-coil forming protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) in different stages of hepatic fibrosis. Methods Seventy-two Wistar male rats of 200 to 250 g were selected and randomly divided into control group and model group. The control group was fed normally, and the model group was given 2 ml/kg of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) intraperitoneally, twice a week. The animals (n=6) were killed at 3rd, and 6th day and 2nd, 4th, 6th, and 8th week. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes of live tissues. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the location and expression of ROCK1. ROCK1 gene transcripts in different periods were quantitatively detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). Results The positive expression rate of ROCK1 in control group was 11%, 15%, 13%, 11%, 17% and 14%, and that in model group was 14%, 15%, 52%, 65%, 75% and 80% at 3rd, and 6th day and 2nd, 4th, 6th, and 8th week, respectively, with significant differences among them (P=0.001). Real-time PCR revealed that the ROCK1 mRNA expression was 1.018 759, 1.381 913, 1.831 238, 2.515 323, 2.257 623, 2.188 587 in model group at 3rd, and 6th day and 2nd, 4th, 6th, and 8th week when that in control group was corrected to 1. Conclusion The expression level of ROCK1 protein increased gradually in the formation and development of liver fibrosis, suggesting the Rho/ROCK signaling pathway may be another important signaling pathway of liver fibrosis. Key words: Liver fibrosis; Immunohistochemistry; Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction; Rho-associated coiled-coil forming protein kinase 1