The function of bcl-2/bax gene in hepatocytes apoptosis induced by iron

Objective To study the action of bcl-2/bax in the hepatocytes apoptosi induced by iron overload. Methods Rats models were made with iron dextran (ID) through intraperitoneal injection or with CCl_4 through intracutaneous injection, or with both of them. Then serum iron (SI), hepatic iron concentration (HIC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were observed in experimental groups (iron overload, CCl_4 and CCl_4 + iron overload groups) and blank group. The hepatocytes apoptotic index (AI), proliferation index (PI) and bcl-2/bax expression were detected with flow cytometrie methed. Results The increased SI, HIC and MDA levels, higher AI and bax expression could be found in ID injection group, while no significant change in PI was seen in the group. In addition, MDA, AI and bax were elevated more significantly in CCl_4 and ID injection group than in single ID injection group. Conclusion It was found that iron overload may induce hepatocyte apoptosis by promoting bax expression and catalyzing lipid peroxidation reaction to produce free radial. Moreover, iron overload and CCl_4 have coordinated function to hepatocyte apoptosis.