Cytoprotective and antiapoptotic effects of IL-13 in hepatic cold ischemia/reperfusion injury are heme oxygenase-1 dependent

Bibo Ke, Xiu Da Shen, Charles R. Lassman, Feng Gao, Ronald W. Busuttil, Jerzy W. Kupiec-Weglinski

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

42 Scopus citations

Abstract

Liver injury caused by ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) insult represents the major problem following orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). I/R damage has been linked to Th1-like cytokine producers. This study evaluates putative cytoprotective effects/mechanisms of Th2-type IL-13 gene transfer. IL-13 overexpression prevented hepatic insult in a rat model of 24h cold ischemia followed by OLT, as assessed: (i) profoundly decreased hepatocellular damage (sGOT levels), and ameliorated histological signs of I/R injury (Suzuki criteria), consistent with long-term OLT survival; (ii) prevented hepatic apoptosis (TUNEL stains) and up-regulated expression of antiapoptotic (A20, Bcl-2/Bcl-xl)/antioxidant (HO-1) genes. However, inhibition of HO-1 with tin protoporphyrin reversed cytoprotective/antiapoptotic effects of IL-13. In conclusion, cytoprotection rendered by virally induced IL-13 against hepatic I/ R injury in this clinically relevant rat hepatic cold I/R injury model was accomplished via decreased apoptosis and induction of antiapoptotic/ antioxidant molecules. HO-1 neutralization studies suggest that HO-1 represents one of putative IL-13 downstream effectors. This study provides the rationale for novel approaches to maximize organ donor pool through the safer use of OLTs despite prolonged periods of cold ischemia.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1076-1082
Number of pages7
JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation
Volume3
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2003

Keywords

  • Gene therapy
  • Heme oxygenase-1
  • IL-13
  • Ischemia/reperfusion injury

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Transplantation
  • Pharmacology (medical)

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