Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells gene expression involvement in porcine liver transplant experimental model

TL;DR

This study examines gene expression changes in a pig model of liver transplantation, finding reduced NFkB gene activity in transplanted livers.

Contribution

The study reports decreased NFkB gene expression in a porcine liver transplant model, suggesting a potential therapeutic target.

Findings

NFkB gene expression was significantly decreased in the liver transplantation group compared to controls.

No significant differences were observed in IL-6, IL-10, VEGFa, or Notch1 gene expression between groups.

Liver enzymes were elevated in the transplantation group, indicating potential injury.

Abstract

Gene expressions of vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Alpha (VEGFa), Nuclear Factor Kappa-Light-Chain-Enhancer of Activated B cells (NFkB) and cytokines could be useful for identifying potential therapeutic targets to alleviate ischemia-reperfusion injury after liver transplantation. Cytokine gene expressions, VEGFa and NFkB were investigated in a preclinical swine model of liver transplantation.

A total of 12 pigs were used as donors and recipients in liver transplantation without venovenous bypass or aortic clamping. NFkB, IL-6, IL-10, VEGFa and Notch1 gene expression were assessed. These samples were collected in two specific times: group 1 (n= 6) - control, samples were collected before recipient’s total hepatectomy and group 2 - liver transplantation group (n=6), where the samples were collected one hour after graft reperfusion.

Liver transplantation was successfully performed in all recipients. Liver enzymes were elevated in the transplantation group. NFkB gene expression was significantly decreased in the transplantation group in comparison with the control group (0.62±0.19 versus 0.39±0.08; p= 0.016). No difference was observed between groups Interleucine 6 (IL-6), interleucine 10 (IL-10), VEGFa and Notch homolog 1 (Notch1).

In this survey a decreased NFkB gene expression in a porcine model of liver transplantation was observed.

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