Liver Fibrosis•Cirrhosis
Liver fibrosis inhibits lethal injury through D-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide-induced necroptosis
Li Lu, Bai Li, Zheng Sujun, Chen Yu, Duan Zhongping
Published 2022-04-20
Cite as Chin J Hepatol, 2022, 30(4): 413-418. DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501113-20201204-00639
Abstract
ObjectiveTo explore the new mechanism of liver fibrosis through D-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide (D-GalN/LPS)-induced necroptosis as an entry point to inhibit lethal injury.
MethodsThe carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced mouse model of liver fibrosis was established. At 6 weeks of fibrosis, the mice were challenged with a lethal dose of D-GalN/LPS, and the normal mice treated with the same treatment were used as the control. The experiment was divided into four groups: control group (Control), acute injury group (D-GalN/LPS), liver fibrosis group (Fib), and liver fibrosis + acute challenge group (Fib + D-GalN/LPS). Quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence were used to analyze the expression of necroptosis key signal molecules RIPK1, RIPK3, MLKL and/or P-MLKL in each group. Normal mice were treated with inhibitors targeting key signaling molecules of necroptosis, and then given an acute challenge. The inhibitory effect of D-GalN/LPS-induced-necroptosis on acute liver injury was evaluated according to the changes in transaminase levels and liver histology. Liver fibrosis spontaneous ablation model was established, and then acute challenge was given. Necroptosis key signal molecules expression was analyzed in liver tissue of mice in each group and compared by immunohistochemistry. The differences between groups were compared with t-test or analysis of variance.
ResultsQuantitative PCR and immunofluorescence assays result showed that D-GalN/LPS-induced significant upregulation of RIPK1, RIPK3, MLKL and/or P-MLKL. Necroptosis key signal molecules inhibition had significantly reduced D-GalN/LPS-induced liver injury, as manifested by markedly reduced serum ALT and AST levels with improvement in liver histology. Necroptosis signaling molecules expression was significantly inhibited in fibrotic livers even under acute challenge conditions. Additionally, liver fibrosis with gradual attenuation of fibrotic ablation had inhibited D-GalN/LPS-induced necroptosis.
ConclusionLiver fibrosis may protect mice from acute lethal challenge injury by inhibiting D-GalN/LPS-induced necroptosis.
Key words:
Liver fibrosis; Injury resistance; Necroptosis; Mechanism
Contributor Information
Li Lu
Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
Bai Li
Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Liver Failure and Artificial Liver Treatment Research
The Fourth Department of Hepatology, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
Zheng Sujun
The First Department of Hepatology, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
Chen Yu
Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Liver Failure and Artificial Liver Treatment Research
The Fourth Department of Hepatology, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
Duan Zhongping
Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Liver Failure and Artificial Liver Treatment Research
The Fourth Department of Hepatology, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
