Sulforaphane reduces apoptosis and oncosis along with protecting liver injury-induced ischemic reperfusion by activating the Nrf2/ARE pathway.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of sulforaphane (SFN) on hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury (HIRI) and to explore the underlying mechanisms.

Methods: The rat model of HIRI was established. Thirty-two rats were randomly divided into sham (A), SFN (B), HIRI (C), and SFN + HIRI (D) groups. Animals in the HIRI and Sham groups were treated with equal volumes of the vehicle of SPF. Liver functions were evaluated by serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Liver samples were collected for histological examination and determination of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels. Mitochondrial Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase and Ca(2+)-ATPase were measured by colorimetry. Expression levels of NQO1, Nrf2, and HO-1 in liver tissue were detected by western blot analysis. Additionally, oncosis and apoptosis were detected by Annexin V-FITC/PI immunofluorescent flow cytometry analysis.

Results: The HIRI group showed a significant increase in serum levels of liver enzymes (ALT, AST) associated with histopathological damage in the liver. Pre-treatment with SFN could reduce the levels of MDA and MPO in liver tissue and improve the activities of SOD, GSH, GSH-Px, and mitochondrial Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase and Ca(2+)-ATPase in liver tissue. Moreover, SFN could still increase the expression of NQO1, Nrf2, and HO-1 in liver tissue and decrease the oncosis and apoptosis of liver cells.

Conclusions: Pre-treatment with SFN could attenuate HIRI via the activation of Nrf2/ARE signaling pathways, ameliorate oxidative stress, and maintain the normal activities of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase and Ca(2+)-ATPase, thus reducing the occurrence of cell oncosis and apoptosis. Therefore, SFN can be considered a potential candidate as an anti-ischemic medication to minimize HIRI.