In vivo suppressive effect of nuclear factor-κB inhibitor on neutrophilic inflammation of grafts after orthotopic liver transplantation in rats

AIM: To investigate the effect of pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), a novel nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) inhibitor, on expression of multiple inflammatory mediators and neutrophilic inflammation of cold preserved grafts after rat liver transplantation and its significance.METHODS: Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) was performed after 24 h of cold storage using University of Wisconsin solution with varied concentrations of PDTC. We determined the time course of NF-κB activation and expression of multiple inflammatory signals, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), cytokine-inducible neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC), and intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1) by ElISA methods. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), intrahepatic myeloperoxidase (MPO)/WBC (ameasure of neutrophil accumulation) and Mac-1 expression (a measure of circulating neutrophil activity) were also evaluated.RESULTS: PDTC decreased NF-κB activation induced by prolonged cold preservation in a dose dependent manner (from 20 mmol/L to 60 mmol/L), diminished TNF-α, CINC, ICAM-1 proteins in the grafts, and reduced the expression of increases in plasma TNF-α levels induced by prolonged cold preservation. Neutrophilic inflammation of the graft was significantly suppressed after preservation with PDTC (P<0.05). The total neutrophil accumulation in PDTC (40 mmol/L) group (7.04±0.97) was markedly reduced compared to control group (14.07±1.31) (P<0.05). Mac-1expression was significantly reduced in PDTC (40 mmol/L)group (181±11.3%) compared with the control group (281±13.2%) (P<0.05) at 6 h after reperfusion. Furthermore,PDTC inhibited the increased serum ALT levels after liver transplantation.CONCLUSION: PDTC can inhibit B NF-κB activation and expression of the inflammatory mediators, which are associated with improved graft viability via inhibiting intrahepatic neutrophilic inflammation. Our study suggests that a therapeutic strategy directed at inhibition of NF-κB activation in the transplanted liver might be effective in reducing intrahepatic neutrophilic inflammation, and would be beneficial to cold preserved grafts.     

Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate protects against thioacetamide-induced fulminant hepatic failure in rats

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Reactive oxygen species and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) activation have been implicated in the pathogenesis of cell injury in experimental models of liver damage. The aim of the present study was to examine whether pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), an anti oxidant and inhibitor of NF-kappaB activation, would prevent hepatic damage induced in a rat model of thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver failure. METHODS: Fulminant hepatic failure was induced in the control and treatment groups by two intraperitoneal injections of TAA (either 300 or 400 mg/kg) at 24-h intervals. In the treatment groups, rats were treated also with PDTC (60 mg/kg/24 h, i.p.), initiated 24 h prior to TAA. RESULTS: Liver enzymes, blood ammonia, and hepatic levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (P<0.001) and protein carbonyls (P<0.05) were significantly lower in rats treated with PDTC compared to TAA only. Liver histology and the survival rate in the PDTC-treated rats were also improved (P<0.01 compared to TAA only). NF-kappaB activation, 2 and 6 h after TAA administration, was inhibited by PDTC. CONCLUSIONS: In a rat model of fulminant hepatic failure, the administration of PDTC attenuated liver damage and improved survival. This effect may be due to decreased oxidative stress and inhibition of NF-kappaB activation.     

Augmented regeneration of partial liver allograft induced by nuclear factor-κB decoy oligodeoxynucleotides-modified dendritic cells

AIM: To investigate the effect of NF-κB decoy oligodeoxynuleotides (ODNs) - modified dendritic cells (DCs)on regeneration of partial liver allograft.METHODS: Bone marrow (BM)- derived DCs from SD rats were propagated in the presence of GM-CSF or GM-CSF+IL4 to obtain immature DCs or mature DCs, respectively. GMCSF-propagated DCs were treated with double-strand NF-κB decoy ODNs containing two NF-κB binding sites or scrambled ODNs. Allogeneic (SD rat to LEW rat) 50% partial liver transplantation was performed. Normal saline (group A),GM-CSF -propagated DCs (group B), GM-CSF+IL-4 -propagated DCs (group C), and GM-CSF+NF-κB decoy ODNs (group D) or scrambled ODNs -propagated DCs (group E)were injected intravenously into recipient LEW rats 7 days prior to liver transplantation and immediately after transplantation. DNA synthesis (BrdU labeling) and apoptosis of hepatocytes were detected with immunostaining and TUNEL staining postoperative 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 84 h,respectively. Liver graft-resident NK cell activity, hepatic IFN-y mRNA expression and recipient serum IFN-γ level at the time of the maximal liver allograft regeneration were measured with 51Cr release assay, semiquantitative RT-PCR and ELISA, respectively.RESULTS: Regeneration of liver allograft was markedly promoted by NF-κB decoy ODNs-modified immature DCs but was significantly suppressed by mature DCs, the DNA synthesis of hepatocytes peaked at postoperative 72 h in group A, group B and group E rats, whereas the DNA synthesis of hepatocytes peaked at postoperative 84 h in group C rats and 48 h in group D rats, respectively. The maximal BrdU labeling index of hepatocytes in group D rats was significantly higher than that in the other groups rats.NF-κB decoy ODNs-modified immature DCs markedly suppressed but mature DCs markedly promoted apoptosis of hepatocytes, liver-resident NK cell activity, hepatic IFN-γmRNA expression and recipient serum IFN-γ production. At the time of the maximal regeneration of liver allograft, the minimal apoptosis of hepatocytes, the minimal activity of liver-resident NK cells, the minimal hepatic IFN-γ mRNA expression and serum IFN-γ production were detected in group D rats. The apoptotic index of hepatocytes, the activity of liver- resident NK cells, the hepatic IFN-γ mRNA expression level and the serum IFN-γlevel in group D rats were significantly lower than that in the other groups rats at the time of the maximal regeneration of liver allograft.CONCLUSION: The data suggest that the augmented regeneration of partial liver allograft induced by NF-κB decoy ODNs-modified DCs may be attributable to the reduced apoptotic hepatocytes, the suppressed activity of liverresident NK cells and the reduced IFN-γ production.     

Effect of nuclear factor kappa B on intercellular adhesionrnolecule-1 expression and neutrophil infiltration in lung injury induced by intestinal ischemia/reperfusion in rats

AIM: To investigate the role of nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB) in the pathogenesis of lung injury induced by intestinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), and its effect on intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression and neutrophil infiltration.METHODS: Twenty-four Wistar rats were divided randomly into control, I/R and pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) treatment groups, n = 8 in each. I/R group and PDTC treatment group received superior mysenteric artery (SMA) occluding for 1 h and reperfusion for 2 h. PDTC group was administrated with intraperitoneal injection of 2% 100 mg/kg PDTC 1 h before surgery. Lung histology and bronchia alveolus lung fluid (BALF) protein were assayed. Serum IL-6, lung malondialdehyde (MDA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) as well as the expression level of NF-κB and ICAM-1 were measured.RESULTS: Lung injury induced by intestinal I/R, was characterized by edema, hemorrhage and neutrophil infiltration as well as by the significant rising of BALF protein. Compared to control group, the levels of serum IL-6 and lung MDA and MPO increased significantly in I/R group (P=0.001). Strong positive expression of NF-κB p65 and ICAM-1 was observed. After the administration of PDTC, the level of serum IL-6, lung MDA and MPO as well as NF-κB and ICAM-1 decreased significantly(P＜ 0.05) when compared to I/R group.CONCLUSION: The activation of NF-κB plays an important role in the pathogenesis of lung injury induced by intestinal I/R through upregulating the neutrophil infiltration and lung ICAM-1 expression. PDTC as an inhibitor of NF-κB can prevent lung injury induced by intestinal I/R through inhibiting the activity of NF-κB.     

Effect of cold-ischemia time on nuclear factor-κB activation and inflammatory response in graft after orthotopic liver transplantation in rats

AIM: To study the mechanism and effect of nuclear factorκB (NF-κB) activation and inflammatory response on the extended cold-preserved graft injury after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT).METHODS: OLT was performed in rats with varying time of cold ischemia grafts (6, 18 and 24 h in University Wisconsin solution at 4 ℃). We determined the time of NF-κB activation and expression of tumor necrosisfactor-α (TNF-α), cytokineinducible neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC), and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) within 6 h after reperfusion.Serum alarming aminotransferase (ALT), neutrophil sequestration, circulating neutrophil CD11b and L- selectin expression were also evaluated.RESULTS: The accumulation of neutrophils in the graft was significantly increased in the 18 h and 24 h cold-ischemia groups within 0.5 h after reperfusion, compared with the 6 h group. But the strongly activated neutrophils was slightly increased at 2 h after reperfusion and remained at high levels 4 h after reperfusion, which was synchronized with the common situation of recipients after transplantation.Prolonged cold-preservation did not affect neutrophil accumulation and activation. NF-κB activation preceded the expression of TNF-α, CINC, and ICAM-1 in the liver, which was significantly increased with prolonged cold preservation.In prolonged cold preserved grafts, prominently elevated NF-κB activation occurred at 0.5 h and 1 h, compared with that at 2 h after reperfusion, which was consistent with greatly increased intrahepatic TNF-α response.CONCLUSION: NF-κB activation is correlated with the expression of TNF-α, CINC, and ICAM-1 in vivo in OLT rats.Extended cold preservation of grafts might up-regulate TNF-α,CINC, and ICAM-1 expression in the grafts, most probably through elevated NF-κB activation, and might contribute to neutrophil infiltration in the grafts after reperfusion. Elevated NF-κB activity is harmful to inflammatory response in the grafts, and inhibited NF-κB activity might protect against early graft injury after liver transplantation.     

5-羟色胺2A受体阻断剂对大鼠肝脏再生的影响

目的观察5-羟色胺2A受体阻断剂酮色林对大鼠肝部分切除后肝再生的影响,了解5-羟色胺及其受体在肝脏再生中的作用。方法 80只雄性Wistar大鼠随机分为实验组和对照组。采用肝大部分切除术建立肝再生模型,术后16 h分别给予腹腔内注射酮色林（实验组）和生理盐水（对照组）,采用免疫组化及流式细胞技术动态观察并比较两组大鼠术后24、36、48、72 h肝脏Ki67、增殖细胞核抗原的表达情况。结果大鼠肝大部切除术后24、36 h肝脏表达Ki67、增殖细胞核抗原最为活跃,而后表达逐渐下降。实验组大鼠肝脏表达Ki67、增殖细胞核抗原较对照组显著下降（P〈0.05）。结论 5-羟色胺2A受体阻断剂酮色林显著抑制大鼠肝大部切除术后的肝脏再生,说明5-羟色胺具有一定的促进肝再生的作用,2A受体是其重要的信号传导受体之一。     

吡咯烷二硫代氨基甲酸对大鼠急性肺损伤TNF-α的影响

目的 探讨核因子-кB(NF-кB)抑制剂(吡咯烷二硫代氨基甲酸,PDTC)在脂多糖(LPS)所致大鼠急性肺损伤(ALI)中对肿瘤坏死因子-α (TNF-α)的影响.方法 雄性大鼠66只,随机分3组.对照组(N组)6只,腹腔注射生理盐水3 mL/kg; ALI组(L组)30只,腹腔注射LPS3 mg/kg; PDTC干预组(P+L组)30只,先腹腔注射PDTC120 mg/kg,半小时后再腹腔注射LPS3 mg/kg.后两组分别于腹腔注射LPS后1、2、4、8、12 h作为观测时间点.观察肺组织匀浆及血浆中TNF-α的变化.结果 L组各时相肺组织匀浆及血浆中TNF-α较N组升高(P＜0.01),且以2h组升高最为显著,但P+L组TNF-α与L组比较减少(P＜0.05).结论 LPS引起肺组织和血中TNF-α大量释放,NF-кB参与炎症的调控,在ALI中起重要作用.PDTC通过调控炎性介质的表达和释放,可有效地减轻LPS所致大鼠ALI.     

Effects of interleukin-10 on activation and apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells in fibrotic rat liver

AIM:To study the effects of interleukin-10(IL-10)on the expression of α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)and Fas/Fas ligand(FasL)inhepatic stellate cells of experimental rats with hepaticfibrosis.METHODS:Sixty clean SD rats were randomly dividedinto control group(group N),liver fibrotic group(groupC)and IL-10 treatment group(group I).Control groupreceived intraperitoneal injection of saline(2ml·kg~(-1)),twicea week.Fibrotic group was injected intraperitoneallywith 50% carbon tetrachloride(CCl_4)(2 ml·kg~(-1)),twicea week.IL-10 treatment group was given IL-10 at adose of 4 μg·kg~(-1)20 minutes before CCl_4 administrationfrom the third week.Hepatic stellate cells(HSCs)wereisolated from these rats at the seventh and eleventhweeks during the course of liver fibrosis,respectively.The expression of α-SMA and NF-κB in HSCs wasmeasured by S-P immunohistochemistry.The expressionof Fas and FasL mRNA was measured by RT-PCR.Furthermore,liver tissues were harvested from threegroups at the same time.RESULTS:The CCl_4- induced experimental rat hepaticfibrosis model was established successfully.The purityof extracted hepatic stellate cells was about 95% andthe yield of hepatic stellate cells was 1.2-2.3×10~6/g livertissue averagely.The positive expression of α-SMA andNF-κB was 36.5% and 28.5% respectively in group N.The positive levels of α-SMA and NF-κB were increasedsignificantly in group C compared to group N(P<0.01).The positive signals decreased significantly(P<0.05)ingroup I.In the 11~(th)week,the HSCs of group I becameround with visible pyknotic nuclei.The expression ofNF-μB in group C was significantly increased in a time-dependentmanner(P<0.01),but there was no difference in the α-SMA expression(P>0.05).The mRNA of Fasand FasL in group C was significantly increased in a time-dependent manner compared to that in control group.After treated with IL-10,the expression level of Fas andFasL was higher in group I than in group C.CONCLUSION:The positive expression of α-SMA andNF-κB in hepatic stellate cells is decreased by ectogenicIL-10 in liver fibrosis induced by CCl_4.The expression ofFas and FasL is increased in the course of liver fibrosis,and is further increased by IL-10.IL-10 could inhibitthe activation of HSCs and cause apoptosis of activatedHSCs.     

Neuroprotective effect of tanshinone IIA against neuropathic pain in diabetic rats through the Nrf2/ARE and NF-κB signaling pathways

The study aims to investigate whether tanshinone (TSN) IIA affects diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP) via the Nrf2/AR and NF-κB signaling pathways. Rats were randomly assigned into DNP group, TSN group (injected with TSN IIA), TSN + DRB group (injected with TSN IIA and 15 mg/kg Nrf2/ARE inhibitors), TSN + PDTC group (injected with TSN IIA and 60 mg/kg NF-κB inhibitors) or control group. The first four groups were successfully established as DNP models after injection of streptozotocin. The blood glucose level, mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT), thermal withdrawal latency (TWL), nerve conduction velocity (NCV) and antioxidase level were detected. Transmission electron microscopy and toluidine blue staining were utilized to observe the sciatic nerve. RT-qPCR and western blot were used to measure expression levels of Nrf2/ARE and NF-κB signaling pathway-related genes. Blood glucose, malondialdehyde (MDA) and erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels as well as expression of Keap1 and NF-κB were increased in the TSN, TSN + DRB and TSN + PDTC groups compared to control group. Furthermore, the MWT, TWL, NVC, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels and expression of Nrf2, heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and inhibitory kappa B (IκB) decreased in the treatment groups. The TSN + DRB and TSN + PDTC groups showed similar trend when compared with the TSN group, while the opposite trend was observed in the TSN group when compared with the DNP group. Our study demonstrates that TSN IIA alleviates neuropathic pain by activating the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway and inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway in diabetic rats.     

Impaired liver regeneration following partial hepatectomy using the Pringle maneuver: Protective effect of mesna

Background and Aim: We investigated the role of the prophylactic administration of the antioxidant 2‐mercaptoethane sulfonate (mesna) on the hepatocyte‐regenerating capacity following partial hepatectomy (PH) with concurrent Pringle maneuver. Methods: Wistar rats were subjected to PH (70% hepatectomy), 30 min Pringle maneuver, PH plus Pringle with or without mesna pretreatment (400 mg/kg, per os, 3 h before Pringle), or sham operation. At 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 1 week after operation, relative liver weight, hepatocyte mitotic activity (mitotic index), the histopathological score and serum aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase concentrations were assessed. At 1 h after operation, oxidative stress markers (glutathione to glutathione disulfide ratio, malondialdehyde concentration, and superoxide dismutase activity) and nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) activity were assessed. Results: Hepatectomy stimulated the regenerating process and induced mild oxidative stress and the activation of NF‐κB in hepatocytes, while causing tissue injury in the remnant liver. When PH was performed under Pringle maneuver, hepatocyte mitotic activity was substantially suppressed, although Pringle alone initiated a delayed regenerating response. Furthermore, Pringle maneuver deteriorated oxidative stress markers, markedly increased NF‐κB activity, and aggravated tissue injury, as compared to hepatectomy alone. Mesna pretreatment prevented the Pringle‐induced antimitotic effect and the induction of oxidative stress, inhibited the activation of NF‐κB, while attenuating liver injury after PH under Pringle. Conclusion: The excessive activation of NF‐κB is related to the suppression of hepatocyte‐regenerating activity following PH with concurrent liver ischemia. Mesna pretreatment protects the liver against the Pringle‐induced antimitotic effect after PH via the prevention of oxidative stress and the inhibition of NF‐κB activation.     

Ethanol reduces p38 kinase activation and cyclin D1 protein expression after partial hepatectomy in rats

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Chronic ethanol consumption inhibits liver regeneration. We examined the effects of chronic ethanol consumption on two mitogen-activated protein kinases in relation to induction of cell cycle proteins after partial hepatectomy (PH). METHODS: Male Wistar rats were ethanol-fed (EF) or pair-fed (PF) for 16 weeks before PH. Hepatic activation of extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK)1/2, p38 kinase and expression of cyclinD1, cyclin-dependent kinase-4 (cdk4) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were studied. RESULTS: In PF rats, PH-induced p38 activation was evident at 2h and was maximal at 12h. There was a close temporal relationship between p38 activation, cyclin D1 and PCNA expression. Alcohol exposure reduced p38 activation, cyclin D1 and PCNA, each by approximately 50%. ERK1/2 activation occurred during the first 2h post-PH in both EF and PF rats, and there was no later increase in PF rats. In vivo inhibition of p38 suppressed PCNA expression whereas the effect of ERK1/2 inhibition was inconsistent. CONCLUSIONS: p38 kinase activation is linked temporally with cyclin D1 expression after PH and appears to exert cell cycle control in the adult liver. p38 signaling also appears to be a target for the inhibitory effect of chronic alcohol on liver regeneration.     

铜绿假单胞菌肺炎大鼠核因子-κB表达及二硫代氨基甲酸吡咯烷对其的影响

目的探讨NF-κB及其诱导TNFα在大鼠铜绿假单胞菌（PA）肺炎中的表达及二硫代氨基甲酸吡咯烷（PDTC）对其的影响。方法72只SD大鼠分为健康对照组、PA组、PDTC干预组。每组24只。PA组大鼠制作PA模型,PDTC干预组制作PA模型前腹腔注射PDTC200mg／kg体重。PA组、PDTC干预组接种铜绿假单胞菌悬液0．2ml（6×10^8CFU／m1）。观察大鼠肺组织形态学改变,免疫组化及Western blot检测肺组织NF-κB表达,RT-PCR检测肺组织TNFαmRNA表达。结果PA组大鼠肺组织明显充血、水肿,大量炎性细胞浸润;PDTC干预组大鼠肺组织充血、水肿等炎性表现较PA组明显减轻。PA组大鼠肺组织NF-κB表达阳性细胞明显增多,PDTC干预组NF—κB表达阳性细胞明显减少。Western blot显示,各时间点NF-κB表达不同,3h达高峰。RT—PCR显示,PA组TNFαmRNA高表达,以6h最为明显;PDTC干预组TNFαmRNA表达明显下调,与PA组相比,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．01）。结论NF-κB及其诱导的TNFα在PA肺炎中发挥重要作用,PDTC可能通过抑制NF-κB的活性减轻PA引起的肺损伤。     

Expression patterns and action analysis of genes associated with blood coagulation responses during rat liver regeneration

INTRODUCTION The liver is the main site where coagulation factors are synthesized[1]. Tissue damage is often companied with angiorrhexis, bleeding and blood coagulation. Blood coagulation is a complex hemostatic process in which zymogens convert into coag…     

Differential effects of pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate on TNF-alpha-mediated liver injury in two different models of fulminant hepatitis

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) is an inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) activation. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of PDTC on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced liver injury in two different models of fulminant hepatitis. METHODS: Mice infected with Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG) were challenged with LPS (0.2 mg/kg) to induce the model of inflammatory liver injury. Mice were injected with D-galactosamine (GalN, 600 mg/kg) and LPS (20 microg/kg) to induce the model of apoptotic liver injury. In the treatment groups, mice were pre-treated with PDTC (100 mg/kg), initiated 24 h prior to LPS. RESULTS: PDTC pretreatment reduced the infiltration of inflammatory cells, inhibited NF-kappaB activation and the expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), attenuated nitric oxide production, and alleviated hepatic glutathione depletion. Correspondingly, PDTC reduced serum alanine aminotransferase, improved hepatic necrosis, and prolonged the survival in the BCG/LPS model. Conversely, PDTC accelerated death and aggravated liver apoptosis in the GalN/LPS model, although it reduced nitric oxide production, attenuated glutathione depletion, and inhibited the expression of TNF-alpha in liver. CONCLUSIONS: PDTC protects mice against BCG/LPS-induced inflammatory liver injury through the repression of NF-kappaB-mediated TNF-alpha release, while it seems to be detrimental in GalN/LPS-induced apoptotic liver damage.     

A protective effect of pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate in a rat model of liver cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND: Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) activation, proinflammatory cytokines, and reactive oxygen species have been implicated as mediators of liver injury and fibrogenesis. We have shown recently that pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), an antioxidant and inhibitor of NF-kappaB activation, was protective in a rat model of acute liver failure. The aim of the present study was to examine the efficacy of PDTC in a chronic rat model of thioacetamide (TAA)-induced hepatic fibrosis. METHODS: Liver cirrhosis was induced by intraperitoneal injections of TAA (200 mg/kg) twice weekly for 12 weeks. Two groups of rats also received PDTC (either 20 or 60 mg/kg, i.p. for 12 weeks). RESULTS: TAA administration induced liver cirrhosis, which was inhibited by PDTC in a dose-dependent manner. The histopathologic score of fibrosis, the spleen weight, and hepatic hydroxyproline were significantly lower in the rats treated with TAA+PDTC compared with TAA only (P<0.001). The hepatic levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and protein carbonyls after 12 weeks of treatment were also lower in the rats treated with TAA+PDTC (P=0.02 and 0.01, respectively), indicating reduced oxidative stress. Immunohistochemical studies and in situ hybridization demonstrated inhibition of stellate cell (alpha smooth muscle actin positive) activation, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2, and collagen alpha1(I) gene expression in the livers of the PDTC-treated rats. As determined by Northern blot analysis, PDTC had no inhibitory effect on collagen alpha1(I) gene expression in the rat hepatic stellate cells-T6 cells in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: PDTC inhibits the development of liver cirrhosis in TAA-treated rats. The mechanism of action is associated with decreased oxidative stress and hepatic necroinflammation.