Role of TGF-β1 in modulation of hepatic regeneration

Abstract

Objective To investigate the role of TGF-β1 in regulation of liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy(PH).Methods The effect of TGF-β1 on the proliferation of primary hepatocytes was observed by MTT assay.The animal model of partial hepatectomy(PH)in rats was established.Serum collected from rats receiving partial hepatectomy could be used to stimulate the proliferation of IG12 and the expression of TGF-β1 in IG12 cells which could be detected by immuocytochemistry.The TGF-β1 expression characteristics of hepatocytes after PH were detected by immunohistochemistry and western blot.Results TGF-β1 could significantly arrest the proliferation of primary hepatocytes.Rat serum collected after PH could promote the proliferation of IG12,the result of MTT assay showed that the value of both 25ul group(A=1.109±0.033)and 15ul group(A=1.073±0.051)were higher than control (A=0.732±0.053,P＜0.05).Meanwhile,IG12 cells were stimulated by rat serum after PH,which showed a high expression of TGF-β1 by immunocytochemical assay.Immunohistochemical staining showed that TGF-β1 expression in hepatocytes of regenerated liver was decreased after PH,and then turned to be negative 3 day after PH.After liver regeneration accomplished,TGF-β1 positive signals was found again in hepatocytes.The same results were found by western blot assay.Conclusion TGF-β1 could significantly arrest the proliferation of primary hepatocytes.During the process of liver regeneration,the expression of TGF-β1 is gradually decreased,which is beneficial for the liver regeneration. Key words: Hepatectomy; TGF-β1; Hepatic regeneration