Role of mitochondria in cell apoptosis during hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury and protective effect of ischemic postconditioning.

AIM

To investigate the role of mitochondria in cell apoptosis during hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury and protective effect of ischemic postconditioning (IPC).

METHODS

A rat model of acute hepatic ischemia-reperfusion was established, 24 healthy male Wistar rats were randomly divided into sham-operated group, ischemia-reperfusion group (IR) and IPC group. IPC was achieved by several brief pre-reperfusions followed by a persistent reperfusion. Concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and activity of several antioxidant enzymes in hepatic tissue were measured respectively. Apoptotic cells were detected by TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) and expression of Bcl-2 protein was measured by immunohistochemical techniques. Moreover, mitochondrial ultrastructure and parameters of morphology of the above groups were observed by electron microscope.

RESULTS

Compared with IR group, the concentration of MDA and the hepatocellular apoptotic index in IPC group was significantly reduced (P<0.05), while the activity of antioxidant enzymes and OD value of Bcl-2 protein were markedly enhanced (P<0.05). Moreover, the injury of mitochondrial ultrastructure in IPC group was also obviously relieved.

CONCLUSION

IPC can depress the synthesis of oxygen free radicals to protect the mitochondrial ultrastructure and increase the expression of Bcl-2 protein that lies across the mitochondrial membrane. Consequently, IPC can reduce hepatocellular apoptosis after reperfusion and has a protective effect on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury.