Macrophage nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 deficiency promotes innate immune activation by tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3-mediated RhoA/ROCK pathway in the ischemic liver.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a master regulator of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammation and has been implicated in both human and murine inflammatory disease models. We aimed to characterize the roles of macrophage-specific Nrf2 in liver ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI). APPROACH AND RESULTS: First, macrophage Nrf2 expression and liver injury in patients undergoing OLT or ischemia-related hepatectomy were analyzed. Subsequently, we created a myeloid-specific Nrf2-knockout (Nrf2M-KO ) strain to study the function and mechanism of macrophage Nrf2 in a murine liver IRI model. In human specimens, macrophage Nrf2 expression was significantly increased in liver tissues after transplantation or hepatectomy. Interestingly, lower Nrf2 expressions correlated with more severe liver injury postoperatively. In a mouse model, we found Nrf2M-KO mice showed worse hepatocellular damage than Nrf2-proficient controls based on serum biochemistry, pathology, ROS, and inflammation. In vitro, Nrf2 deficiency promoted innate immune activation and migration in macrophages on toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 stimulation. Microarray profiling showed Nrf2 deletion caused markedly lower transcriptional levels of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3 (Timp3). ChIP-seq, PCR, and luciferase reporter assay further demonstrated Nrf2 bound to the promoter region of Timp3. Moreover, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM) 10/ROCK1 was specifically increased in Nrf2-deficient macrophages. Increasing Timp3 expression effectively inhibited ADAM10/ROCK1 expression and rescued the Nrf2M-KO -mediated inflammatory response on TLR4 stimulation in vitro. Importantly, Timp3 overexpression, recombinant Timp3 protein, or ROCK1 knockdown rescued Nrf2M-KO -related liver IRI by inhibiting macrophage activation. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, macrophage Nrf2 mediates innate proinflammatory responses, attenuates liver IRI by binding to Timp3, and inhibits the RhoA/ROCK pathway, which provides a therapeutic target for clinical organ IRI.

FSTL1 promotes liver fibrosis by reprogramming macrophage function through modulating the intracellular function of PKM2.

OBJECTIVE: Follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL1) is widely recognised as a secreted glycoprotein, but its role in modulating macrophage-related inflammation during liver fibrosis has not been documented. Herein, we aimed to characterise the roles of macrophage FSTL1 in the development of liver fibrosis. DESIGN: Expression analysis was conducted with human liver samples obtained from 33 patients with liver fibrosis and 18 individuals without fibrosis serving as controls. Myeloid-specific FSTL1-knockout (FSTL1M-KO) mice were constructed to explore the function and mechanism of macrophage FSTL1 in 3 murine models of liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride injection, bile duct ligation or a methionine-deficient and choline-deficient diet. RESULTS: FSTL1 expression was significantly elevated in macrophages from fibrotic livers of both humans and mice. Myeloid-specific FSTL1 deficiency effectively attenuated the progression of liver fibrosis. In FSTL1M-KO mice, the microenvironment that developed during liver fibrosis showed relatively less inflammation, as demonstrated by attenuated infiltration of monocytes/macrophages and neutrophils and decreased expression of proinflammatory factors. FSTL1M-KO macrophages exhibited suppressed proinflammatory M1 polarisation and nuclear factor kappa B pathway activation in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, this study showed that, through its FK domain, FSTL1 bound directly to the pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2). Interestingly, FSTL1 promoted PKM2 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation, reduced PKM2 ubiquitination to enhance PKM2-dependent glycolysis and increased M1 polarisation. Pharmacological activation of PKM2 (DASA-58) partially countered FSTL1-mediated glycolysis and inflammation. CONCLUSION: Macrophage FSTL1 promotes the progression of liver fibrosis by inducing M1 polarisation and inflammation based on the intracellular PKM2 reprogramming function of macrophages.

miRNA-130b-5p promotes hepatic stellate cell activation and the development of liver fibrosis by suppressing SIRT4 expression.

Liver fibrosis is a progressive disease accompanied by the deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). Numerous reports have demonstrated that alterations in the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) are related to liver disease. However, the effect of individual miRNAs on liver fibrosis has not been studied. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), being responsible for producing ECM, exert an important influence on liver fibrosis. Then, microarray analysis of non-activated and activated HSCs induced by transforming growth factor ß1 (TGF-ß1) showed that miR-130b-5p expression was strongly up-regulated during HSC activation. Moreover, the progression of liver fibrosis had a close connection with the expression of miR-130b-5p in different liver fibrosis mouse models. Then, we identified that there were specific binding sites between miR-130b-5p and the 3' UTR of Sirtuin 4 (SIRT4) via a luciferase reporter assay. Knockdown of miR-130b-5p increased SIRT4 expression and ameliorated liver fibrosis in mice transfected with antagomiR-130b-5p oligos. In general, our results suggested that miR-130b-5p promoted HSC activation by targeting SIRT4, which participates in the AMPK/TGF-ß/Smad2/3 signalling pathway. Hence, regulating miR-130b-5p maybe serve as a crucial therapeutic treatment for hepatic fibrosis.

Deficiency of TGR5 exacerbates immune-mediated cholestatic hepatic injury by stabilizing the ß-catenin destruction complex.

Intrahepatic cholestasis induced by drug toxicity may cause cholestatic hepatic injury (CHI) leading to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. The G protein-coupled bile acid receptor 1 (TGR5) is a membrane receptor with well-known roles in the regulation of glucose metabolism and energy homeostasis. However, the role and mechanism of TGR5 in the context of inflammation during CHI remains unclear. Wild-type (WT) and TGR5 knockout (TGR5-/-) mice with CHI induced by bile duct ligation (BDL) were involved in vivo, and WT and TGR5-/- bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were used in vitro. TGR5 deficiency significantly exacerbated BDL-induced liver injury, inflammatory responses and hepatic fibrosis compared with WT mice in vivo. TGR5-/- macrophages were more susceptible to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation than WT macrophages. TGR5 activation by its ligand suppressed LPS-induced pro-inflammatory responses in WT but not TGR5-/- BMDMs. Notably, expression of ß-catenin was effectively inhibited by TGR5 deficiency. Furthermore, TGR5 directly interacted with Gsk3ß to repress the interaction between Gsk3ß and ß-catenin, thus disrupting the ß-catenin destruction complex. The pro-inflammatory nature of TGR5-knockout was almost abolished by lentivirus-mediated ß-catenin overexpression in BMDMs. BMDM migration in vitro was accelerated under TGR5-deficient conditions or supernatant from LPS-stimulated TGR5-/- BMDMs. From a therapeutic perspective, TGR5-/- BMDM administration aggravated BDL-induced CHI, which was effectively rescued by ß-catenin overexpression. Our findings reveal that TGR5 plays a crucial role as a novel regulator of immune-mediated CHI by destabilizing the ß-catenin destruction complex, with therapeutic implications for the management of human CHI.

Hyperglycemia-Triggered Sphingosine-1-Phosphate and Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Receptor 3 Signaling Worsens Liver Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury by Regulating M1/M2 Polarization.

Hyperglycemia aggravates hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI), but the underlying mechanism for the aggravation remains elusive. Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors (S1PRs) have been implicated in metabolic and inflammatory diseases. Here, we discuss whether and how S1P/S1PRs are involved in hyperglycemia-related liver IRI. For our in vivo experiment, we enrolled diabetic patients with benign hepatic disease who had liver resection, and we used streptozotocin (STZ)-induced hyperglycemic mice or normal mice to establish a liver IRI model. In vitro bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were differentiated in high-glucose (HG; 30 mM) or low-glucose (LG; 5 mM) conditions for 7 days. The expression of S1P/S1PRs was analyzed in the liver and BMDMs. We investigated the functional and molecular mechanisms by which S1P/S1PRs may influence hyperglycemia-related liver IRI. S1P levels were higher in liver tissues from patients with diabetes mellitus and mice with STZ-induced diabetes. S1PR3, but not S1PR1 or S1PR2, was activated in liver tissues and Kupffer cells under hyperglycemic conditions. The S1PR3 antagonist CAY10444 attenuated hyperglycemia-related liver IRI based on hepatic biochemistry, histology, and inflammatory responses. Diabetic livers expressed higher levels of M1 markers but lower levels of M2 markers at baseline and after ischemia/reperfusion. Dual-immunofluorescence staining showed that hyperglycemia promoted M1 (CD68/CD86) differentiation and inhibited M2 (CD68/CD206) differentiation. Importantly, CAY10444 reversed hyperglycemia-modulated M1/M2 polarization. HG concentrations in vitro also triggered S1P/S1PR3 signaling, promoted M1 polarization, inhibited M2 polarization, and enhanced inflammatory responses compared with LG concentrations in BMDMs. In contrast, S1PR3 knockdown significantly retrieved hyperglycemia-modulated M1/M2 polarization and attenuated inflammation. In conclusion, our study reveals that hyperglycemia specifically triggers S1P/S1PR3 signaling and exacerbates liver IRI by facilitating M1 polarization and inhibiting M2 polarization, which may represent an effective therapeutic strategy for liver IRI in diabetes.

ATRA Regulates Innate Immunity in Liver Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury via RARα/Akt/Foxo1 Signaling.

All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) has been proved to protect liver from ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury, however, its mechanism is still unclear. This study is to investigate the mechanism of effect of ATRA on innate immunity in mice liver IR injury. Before operation, mice were gavaged by ATRA at 15 mg/kg/d for two weeks, and then the liver was underwent 70% ischemia (90 min) and reperfusion (6 h). Liver function was assessed by serum alanine aminotransferase (sALT), serum aspartate aminotransferase (sAST). Real-time PCR and Western blot were to detect the level of mRNA and protein. In vitro, RAW264.7 macrophages were treatment with ATRA (1 µM) or LE540 (5 µM, a retinoic acid receptor α (RARα) receptor antagonist) before lipopolysaccharide (100 ng/mL) stimulation. In vivo, ATRA protected the liver from IR injury by improving hepatocellular function (sALT and sAST), decreasing cell apoptosis and inhibiting inflammatory response (i.e., the level of toll-like receptor 4, transcription factor nuclear factor-κBp65, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α). When RARα was blocked by LE540 in RAW264.7 macrophages, the inflammatory cytokines were enhancing, along with a decline of Akt phosphorylation but Forkhead box o (Foxo) 1, compared with the ATRA group. In summary, ATRA regulates in part the innate immunity to protect liver from IR injury by RARα/Akt/Foxo1 pathway.

YAP-1 Promotes Tregs Differentiation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Enhancing TGFBR2 Transcription.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Immunosuppression is one of the hallmarks of cancer; however, its molecular mechanism remains unknown. In the present study, we sought to investigate the expression and activation of yes-associated protein 1 (YAP-1) and its roles in T cells within hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: The expression and activation of YAP-1 were accessed by real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry staining, western blot, and flow cytometry. The potential regulation effect of YAP-1 on Regulatory T cells (Tregs) differentiation was predicted using bioinformatics tools and verified by in vitro studies. RESULTS: Significant overexpression and activation of YAP-1 was detected within peripheral blood mononuclear cells and showed positive linear correlation to Treg percentage; it may serve as a valuable indicator of a bad prognosis. Using in vitro studies, we found that overexpression and activation of YAP-1 can promote naïve T cell polarization stimulation to Tregs by increasing the expression of TGFBR2. The YAP-1/TEADs DNA binding site was spotted within the promoter region of TGFBR2 and related to its transcription activity. YAP-1 acted as a co-activator of TGFBR2 transcription by binding directly to the TGFBR2 promoter through TEADs. CONCLUSION: Overexpression and activation of YAP-1 in HCC T cells can induce immunosuppression by promoting Treg differentiation via transcriptional enhancement of TGFBR2.

Effects of multimodal fast-track surgery on liver transplantation outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Fast-track surgery and enhanced recovery after surgery have been applied to many surgical procedures; however, data on fast-track surgery and enhanced recovery after surgery following liver transplantation is limited. This study aimed to conduct a prospective study to determine the effects of fast-track surgery on prognosis after liver transplantation. METHODS: This was a prospective, single-blinded, randomized study. One hundred twenty-eight patients undergoing liver transplantation were selected for the fast-track (FT group, n=54) or conventional process (NFT group, n=74). The primary endpoints were intensive care unit (ICU) stay and hospital stay. The secondary endpoints were as follows: operative time, anhepatic phase time, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative blood transfusion volume, postoperative complications, readmission rate, and postoperative mortality. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in preoperative demographics between the two groups. The median ICU stay was 2 days (range 1-7 days) in the FT group and 5 days (range 3-12 days) in the NFT group (P<0.01). Furthermore, the hospital stay was also significantly reduced in the FT group (P<0.01). The operative time, anhepatic phase time, intraoperative blood loss, and intraoperative blood transfusion volume were decreased in the FT group compared with the NFT group (P<0.05). Based on Spearman correlation analysis, the ICU stay and hospital stay may be positively correlated with operative time, anhepatic phase time and intraoperative blood loss. There were no differences in the incidence of postoperative complications, readmissions, and postoperative mortality between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Fast-track procedures effectively reduce the ICU stay and hospital stay without adversely affecting prognosis. This study demonstrated that fast-track protocols are safe and feasible in liver transplantation.

Ischemic Preconditioning protects hepatocytes from ischemia-reperfusion injury via TGR5-mediated anti-apoptosis.

Ischemic preconditioning (IP) has been shown to protect hepatic tissue from liver ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). TGR5, as a new-type bile acid receptor, has been shown protective roles in several liver diseases. However, the relationship between TGR5 and IP is still unknown. This study investigated effects of IP on TGR5 as well as the roles of TGR5 on hepatic tissue lesions and apoptosis in liver IRI. We showed that TGR5 was significantly upregulated in liver tissues after IP. To further analyzed effects of the TGR5 on liver IRI, wild type and TGR5 knockout mice were used to establish the liver IRI model. IP effectively alleviated liver IRI, but TGR5 deficiency significantly neutralized IP-related liver protection, as evidenced by serum alanine aminotransferase levels, histological liver damage, hepatocellular apoptosis and cytokines expressions. In addition, molecules related to apoptosis were detected by Western Blot, which showed that activation of TGR5 by IP increased expression of Bcl-2, and inhibited expressions of IRAK4 and cleaved caspase-3, but TGR5 deficiency abolished IP-induced expressions of anti-apoptosis molecule. In vitro, effects of TGR5 on hepatocytes were further analyzed by TGR5 agonist (INT-777) and hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R), which displayed that INT-777 markedly attenuated H/R-induced hepatocellular apoptosis. In conclusion, our study indicates that IP alleviates hepatocellular apoptosis, and reduces liver IRI through TGR5-mediated anti-apoptosis functions.

Myeloid PTEN deficiency protects livers from ischemia reperfusion injury by facilitating M2 macrophage differentiation.

Although the role of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) in regulating cell proliferation is well established, its function in immune responses remains to be fully appreciated. In the current study, we analyzed myeloid-specific PTEN function in regulating tissue inflammatory immune response in a murine liver partial warm ischemia model. Myeloid-specific PTEN knockout (KO) resulted in liver protection from ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) by deviating the local innate immune response against ischemia reperfusion toward the regulatory type: expression of proinflammatory genes was selectively decreased and anti-inflammatory IL-10 was simultaneously increased in ischemia reperfusion livers of PTEN KO mice compared with those of wild-type (WT) mice. PI3K inhibitor and IL-10-neutralizing Abs, but not exogenous LPS, recreated liver IRI in these KO mice. At the cellular level, Kupffer cells and peritoneal macrophages isolated from KO mice expressed higher levels of M2 markers and produced lower TNF-α and higher IL-10 in response to TLR ligands than did their WT counterparts. They had enhanced Stat3- and Stat6-signaling pathway activation, but diminished Stat1-signaling pathway activation, in response to TLR4 stimulation. Inactivation of Kupffer cells by gadolinium chloride enhanced proinflammatory immune activation and increased IRI in livers of myeloid PTEN KO mice. Thus, myeloid PTEN deficiency protects livers from IRI by facilitating M2 macrophage differentiation.

C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) contributes to hepatocyte death via the promotion of ERO1α signalling in acute liver failure.

CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP)-homologous protein (CHOP) has been shown to be a key molecule in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-mediated apoptosis. ER oxidoreductin 1-α (ERO1α), a target of CHOP, is an important oxidizing enzyme that regulates reactive oxygen species (ROS), which play a prominent role in hepatocellular death during acute liver failure (ALF). However, little is known about how CHOP facilitates ROS-induced hepatocellular injury. The present study was designed to investigate the roles and molecular mechanisms of CHOP in ALF. In the liver tissues from ALF patients, the expression of CHOP was significantly increased, which was accompanied by increased expression of dsRNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR)-like ER kinase (PERK) signalling, activating transcription factor 4 (ATF6) signalling, inositol-requiring enzyme-1 (IRE1) signalling and ERO1α, as compared with healthy controls. In the mouse model of galactosamine (GaIN)/lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALF, the hepatocellular injury was accompanied by up-regulated PERK signalling, ATF6 signalling, IRE1 signalling, CHOP and ERO1α. In contrast, CHOP deficiency decreased hepatocellular apoptosis/necrosis and increased animal survival. Furthermore, disruption of CHOP decreased ERO1α expression leading to reducing ROS-induced cell death in vivo and in vitro. Interestingly, ERO1α overexpression restored GaIN/LPS-induced hepatocellular injury in CHOP-deficient mice. Our studies demonstrate for the first time that CHOP promotes liver damage during ALF through activation of ERO1α, a key mediator to link ER stress and ROS. Therefore, targeting CHOP/ERO1α signalling could be a novel therapeutic approach during ALF.

Hepatic perivascular epithelioid cell tumor in three patients.

Perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa) is a rare, soft tissue tumor that can occur in various locations. The present report included three patients (one male and two females; age range, 25-51 years) with hepatic PEComas. The collected data included the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, management, treatment, and prognosis. Since it is difficult to diagnose hepatic PEComas by imaging, the patients were diagnosed by tumor tissue examination such as immunohistochemistry, which was positive for HMB-45, Melan-A, and SMA on all slides. The tumor was composed of diverse tissues including smooth muscle, adipose tissue, and thick-walled blood vessels. During the follow-up period, one of the tumors was malignant (double-positive for CD34 and Ki-67) and recurred 3 months after surgery. In addition, malignant hepatic PEComas were reviewed in the literature, indicating that the majority of hepatic PEComas are benign, but few hepatic PEComas exhibit malignant behaviors in older female patients (>50 years of age) with abdominal discomfort and pain, larger tumor size (>10 cm), or positive staining for CD34 and Ki-67. In conclusion, there is no effective method to diagnose PEComas. Currently, the diagnosis of PEComas depends on immunohistochemical staining. Tumor resection and close follow-up are the principal methods for the management of PEComas.

Oleanolic acid attenuates liver ischemia reperfusion injury by HO-1/Sesn2 signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) is unavoidable in liver transplantation and hepatectomy. The present study aimed to explore the possible mechanism and the effect of oleanolic acid (OA) in hepatic IRI. METHODS: Mice were randomly divided into 6 groups based on different treatment. IRI model: The hepatic artery, portal vein, and bile duct to the left and median liver lobes (70% of the liver) were occluded with an atraumatic bulldog clamp for 90 minutes and then the clamp was removed for reperfusion. The mice were sacrificed 6 hours after reperfusion, and blood and liver tissues were collected. Liver injury was evaluated by biochemical and histopathologic examinations. The expressions of Sesn2, PI3K, Akt and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) were measured with quantitative real-time RT-PCR and Western blotting. RESULTS: The serum aminotransferases level and scores of hepatic histology were increased after reperfusion. The increase was attenuated by pretreatment with OA (P<0.01). Compared with the IR group, OA pretreatment significantly up-regulated the expression of Sesn2, PI3K, Akt and HO-1 in IR livers (P<0.05). Administration of zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP), an inhibitor of HO-1, diminished the OA effect on HO-1 and Sesn2 expressions (P<0.05) and the protective effect of OA on IRI. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that OA can attenuate hepatic IRI. The protective mechanism may be related to the OA-induced HO-1/Sesn2 signaling pathway.

Matrix metalloproteinases-9 deficiency impairs liver regeneration through epidermal growth factor receptor signaling in partial hepatectomy mice.

BACKGROUND: Liver regeneration is a complex process regulated by many complex mechanisms involving cytokines, growth factors, metabolic networks, and so forth. Previous investigations have demonstrated that matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is an essential factor in liver regeneration. The present study aimed to explore the role of MMP-9 in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling and related proliferation signaling factors in a mouse partial hepatectomy (PH) model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MMP-9 knockout (KO) and wild-type mice were used to establish the PH model. Liver regeneration was analyzed based on proliferation cell nuclear antigen immunohistochemistry and liver weight to body weight ratio. Also, EGFR ligands, EGFR, and downstream factors were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and Western blot. RESULTS: MMP-9 KO mice showed a delayed hepatic regenerative response after PH. EGFR ligands, including heparin-binding epidermal growth factor and amphiregulin, were expressed at significantly lower levels between days 1 and 3 posthepatectomy in MMP-9 KO mice. MMP-9 KO mice also inhibited and delayed EGFR activation after PH. After PH, the expression of STAT3, NF-κB, and cyclinD1, all downstream of EGFR, was similar to EGFR activation. CONCLUSIONS: Our data provide new evidence supporting a critical role of MMP-9 in liver regeneration after PH through activation of EGFR signaling.

Remain recipient partial liver during liver transplant after Hassab.

BACKGROUND: The Hassab procedure is the primary method for treating and preventing recurrent esophagogastric variceal bleeding in portal hypertension patients. These patients have worsening liver function and eventually require liver transplantation. Abnormal anatomical structures and severe tissue adhesion caused by the Hassab procedure increase the risks of transplantation. We investigated the safety and efficacy of retaining part of the left lateral hepatic lobe during transplantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated outcomes in 22 patients who underwent the Hassab procedure followed by liver transplantation. The patients were separated into two groups: group A (complete liver resection, n = 14) and group B (incomplete liver resection with left lateral remnant, n = 8). We statistically analyzed pre-, intra-, and post-operative variables in both groups. RESULTS: Preoperative demographic data showed no significant differences between the groups. Operation time was significantly greater in group A (10.85 ± 0.79 h) than in group B (7.25 ± 0.59 h), and median blood loss (2807 ± 472 mL) was significantly greater in group A than in group B (1023 ± 141 mL, P < 0.05 for both). Overall complication rates were not significantly different; the 1- and 3-y survival rates were 85.7% and 71.4% for group A and 87.5% and 75.0% for group B, respectively (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Retention of some left hepatic lobe tissue during liver transplantation after the Hassab procedure is safe and feasible because it increases the success rate by reducing surgical difficulty and time.

T cells in organ ischemia reperfusion injury.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Ischemia and reperfusion injuries occur in multiple clinical settings and contribute to organ dysfunction/failures. Despite the innate inflammatory immune nature, T cells that are critically involved in the pathogenesis of ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI), include not only CD4+ T cells, but also CD8+ and γδT cells. This review focuses on questions of how putative Ag-specific T cells are involved, which include whether they function in an Ag-dependent manner; how they function, cytokine-mediated or costimulatory molecule-mediated mechanisms; and whether different T-cell subsets, Th1, Th17, regulatory T cell (Treg), are all involved and play distinctive roles? RECENT FINDINGS: Specific T-cell populations, such as effector memory CD4 T cells, promote inflammatory immune activation by ischemia reperfusion independent of their adaptive properties, that is Ag-independently. They function by secreting cytokines and expressing costimulatory molecules to either promote or inhibit innate immune activation, or facilitate tissue repair/homeostasis, as exemplified by Th1, Th17 or Th2, Treg cells, respectively. SUMMARY: T-cell-targeted therapies need to be refined with strategies to maximally eliminate the proinflammatory but spare the anti-inflammatory/immune regulatory properties of T cells, for future clinical application to ameliorate IRI.

All-trans retinoic acid preconditioning protects against liver ischemia/reperfusion injury by inhibiting the nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory response plays a pathogenic role in liver ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is an active metabolite of vitamin A with anti-inflammatory effects. However, there are few reports on the anti-inflammatory effects of ATRA on liver I/R injury. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of ATRA on liver I/R injury and related mechanisms. METHODS: A total of 54 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups (18 rats each), namely, sham, I/R, and I/R+ATRA groups. ATRA was intraperitoneally administered at a dose of 15mg/kg/d 14d before ischemia surgery. The segmental (70%) hepatic ischemia model was used by clamping the portal vein, hepatic artery, and bile duct of the left and median for 1h. The rats were sacrificed 3, 6, and 24h after reperfusion, and blood and liver tissue samples were obtained. Liver injury was evaluated by biochemical and histopathologic examinations. Myeloperoxidase activity was spectrophotometrically measured. The expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and real-time polymerase chain reaction. Liver nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) was detected by immunohistochemistry. The expression of NF-κB p65 and inhibitor NF-κB-α (IκBα) was determined by Western blot analysis. RESULTS: The serum alanine aminotransferase level, Suzuki scores of hepatic histology, and hepatic myeloperoxidase activity, as indices of hepatic injury, were increased after reperfusion. The increase was attenuated by preadministration with ATRA. Compared with the I/R group, ATRA treatment increased IκBα expression and suppressed NF-κB p65 expression. Subsequently, the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 after liver I/R were effectively downregulated. CONCLUSIONS: ATRA administration can significantly attenuate I/R injury in rat liver. The protective mechanism is related to its anti-inflammatory function of inhibiting NF-κB activation.

Liver transplantation treating the patient with hepatic failure associated with sorafenib treatment: report of a case.

For the first time ever, sorafenib-induced hepatic failure has been cured by liver transplantation. A 54-year-old man, he underwent surgery for papillary carcinoma of thyroid gland two years ago. After two years follow up, a left neck lymph node metastasis was found and he was treated with sorafenib (800 mg/day). However, two days later, hepatic failure associated with sorafenib developed and he was treated with liver transplantation. The donor was a victim of road accident. Even though hepatic failure associated with sorafenib treatment is rare, the possible development of hepatic failure in patients undergoing sorafenib treatment must be kept in mind.