Effect of TRAF1 on phenotypic changes of Kupffer cells in liver transplantation ischemic-reperfusion.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of TRAF1 on phenotypic changes of KCs in I/R in liver transplantation. METHODS SD rats were randomly divided into sham group and liver transplantation I/R group. KCs were extracted from rat livers in each group. KCs were transfected by lentivirus of si-TRAF1 or si-HOIP, and induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Flow cytometry was used to detect cell apoptosis. Western blot and RT-PCR were used to detect the protein and mRNA expression levels. RESULTS Compared with sham group, the expression levels of TRAF1, TNF-α and IL-1β were significantly increased in I/R group (P<0.05). In addition, compared with control group, the expression levels of NF-κB (P65 and p-P65) and M1 phenotype (TNF-α and IL-1β) were notably increased in si-TRAF1 and si-HOIP group (all P<0.05). Furthermore, the levels of linear ubiquitin complex (LUBAC) were markedly increased in LPS-induced KCs in comparison with control group (P<0.05). Moreover, compared with control group, the expression levels of P65, p-P65, TNF-α and IL-1β were notably decreased in si-TRAF1 and si-HOIP group (P<0.05). The expression levels of P65, p-P65, TNF-α and IL-1β were significantly increased in si-TRAF1 and si-HOIP group when compared to control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION TRAF1 was an important negative regulator of liver transplantation I/R by inhibiting the activation of NF-κB in KCs and preventing its M1 phenotype transformation.