KEAP1-NRF2 complex in ischemia-induced hepatocellular damage of mouse liver transplants

Bibo Ke, Xiu Da Shen, Yu Zhang, Haofeng Ji, Feng Gao, Shi Yue, Naoko Kamo, Yuan Zhai, Masayuki Yamamoto, Ronald W. Busuttil, Jerzy W. Kupiec-Weglinski

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

118 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background & Aims The Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway regulates host cell defense responses against oxidative stress and maintains the cellular redox balance. Methods We investigated the function/molecular mechanisms by which Keap1-Nrf2 complex may influence liver ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) in a mouse model of hepatic cold storage (20 h at 4 C) followed by orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Results The Keap1 hepatocyte-specific knockout (HKO) in the donor liver ameliorated post-transplant IRI, evidenced by improved hepatocellular function and OLT outcomes (Keap1 HKO→Keap1 HKO; 100% survival), as compared with controls (WT→WT; 50% survival; p <0.01). By contrast, donor liver Nrf2 deficiency exacerbated IRI in transplant recipients (Nrf2 KO→Nrf2 KO; 40% survival). Ablation of Keap1 signaling reduced macrophage/neutrophil trafficking, pro-inflammatory cytokine programs, and hepatocellular necrosis/apoptosis, while simultaneously promoting anti-apoptotic functions in OLTs. At the molecular level, Keap1 HKO increased Nrf2 levels, stimulated Akt phosphorylation, and enhanced expression of anti-oxidant Trx1, HIF-1α, and HO-1. Pretreatment of liver donors with PI3K inhibitor (LY294002) disrupted Akt/HIF-1A signaling and recreated hepatocellular damage in otherwise IR-resistant Keap1 HKO transplants. In parallel in vitro studies, hydrogen peroxide-stressed Keap1-deficient hepatocytes were characterized by enhanced expression of Nrf2, Trx1, and Akt phosphorylation, in association with decreased release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in cell culture supernatants. Conclusions Keap1-Nrf2 complex prevents oxidative injury in IR-stressed OLTs through Keap1 signaling, which negatively regulates Nrf2 pathway. Activation of Nrf2 induces Trx1 and promotes PI3K/Akt, crucial for HIF-1α activity. HIF-1α-mediated overexpression of HO-1/Cyclin D1 facilitates cytoprotection by limiting hepatic inflammatory responses, and hepatocellular necrosis/apoptosis in a PI3K-dependent manner.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1200-1207
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Hepatology
Volume59
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2013

Keywords

  • HO-1
  • Keap1-Nrf2 redox system
  • Liver ischemia/reperfusion injury
  • Liver transplantation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Hepatology

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