[Activation of Kupffer cell TLR2 signaling pathway during hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury process in mice and it's significance].

Objective: To study changes of TLR2 signaling pathway expression in Kupffer cells during the process of hepatic ischemia/reperfusion in a mice model and the mechanism of TLR2 signaling pathway participating in hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Methods: BALB/c mice were divided into 3 groups: sham operation (SH), ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) and GdCl3 treatment (Gd) groups. After 4 h of reperfusion, the expression of TLR2 mRNA and membrane TLR2 protein were analyzed in ischemic lobes of the livers, and in Kupffer cells isolated from ischemic lobes. The expression of NF-kappaB in ischemic lobes was also examined. Levels of endotoxin, ALT and TNFalpha were measured at the same time point.

Results: The expressions of TLR2 mRNA and protein in both ischemic hepatic lobes and Kupffer cells isolated from ischemic lobes were increased in the I/R group compared to those in the SH group, as well as the expression of NF-kappaB in ischemic lobes, which was down regulated by intravenous GdCl3 treatment. Levels of ALT and TNFalpha in the portal vein were higher in the I/R group than in the SH group, which also were decreased with treatment of GdCl3. The level of endotoxin in the three groups remained constant.

Conclusion: TLR2 signaling pathway in Kupffer cells is activated during the process of hepatic ischemic/reperfusion injury. The activation of TLR2 signaling pathway in Kupffer cells may play a role in this process.