The Experimental Study On Changes Of Hepatic NF-κB Activity And Its Role In Liver Injury Following Intestinal Perforations Due To Abdominal Firearm Wound

Object: To investigate the changes of hepatic NF-κB activity and its role in liver injury following intestinal perforations due to abdominal firearm wound.Methods: A total of 42 Chang-Bai piglets were randomized into 7 groups:control group and wounded 1hour group, 2hour group, 4hour group, 8hour group, 12hour group, 24hour group.The model of intestinal perforations due to abdominal firearm wound was established in wounded groups.Hepatic NF-κB activity and TNF-αcontent was measured with immunohistochemical staining and image analysis in all groups. Hepatocyte apoptosis indexes and levels of serum ALT and AST were also determined at the same time.The alterations of hepatic tissue were observed under light microscope and the ultrastructural changes of liver under electron microscope in all groups.Results: Levels of hepatic NF-κB activity in wounded groups were significantly elevated compared to control group, and they appeared two peaks in 1h group and 8h group (P<0.05).Meanwhile, hepatic TNF-αcontent and hepatocyte apoptosis indexes were markedly increased compared to control group,and they appeared two peaks in 2h group and 12h group (P<0.05). Levels of serum ALT and AST were also markedly increased,and they also appeared two peaks in 2h group and 12h group (P<0.05). In all results,the second peak exceed the first one (P<0.05).Observing under light microscope, hepatocyte edema and metamorphosis was gradually aggravated from 1h group to 4h group.Hepatocyte spot necrosis and piecemeal necrosis was observed in 8h group,and increasing from 8h group to 24h group. At the same time hepatic ultrastructural injuries were found.Liver morphology of control group is normal under ultrastructural microscope and light microscope.conclusion: After intestinal perforations due to abdominal firearm wound, Hepatic NF-κB activity and TNF-αcontent synchronously increases and it is positive correlation with hepatocyte apoptosis, hepatic morphological and functional injury. NF-κB mediates hepatocyte apoptosis and expression of TNF-αsimultaneously,which can collectively induce subsequent liver injury after the wound. NF-κB may be a potential treatment target.