Effect of propofol on expression of Bcl-2 and Bax protein after liver injury induced by intestinal ischemia-reperfusion in rats

Objective To investigate the effect of propofol on the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax protein after liver injury induced by intestinal ischemia-reperfusion in rats. Methods Fifty-four Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups(n=18):sham group(n=18),intestine ischemia-reperfusion group(IIR group)and propofol group(P group).The rats were executed in each group after reperfusion for 1 h,3 h and 6 h,respectively.The model of liver injury induced by intestinal ischemia-reperfusion was established by blocking the superior mesenteric artery with clap.The left hepatic lobes were sampled at the end of reperfusion.Expression of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins in liver tissues was detected with immunohistochemistry and MIAS2000.Apoptosis index(AI)of cells in liver tissues was detected with terminal deoxynucleotidy-transferase mediated dUTP nick end labeling(TUNEL). Results Expression of Bcl-2,Bax protein and AI of hepatic cell in IIR group and P group were significantly higher than in Sham group at each time point(P0.05).Bcl-2/Bax ratio in IIR group was lower than in Sham group at each time point(P0.05),while it was higher in P group than in Sham group(P0.05).Bcl-2 protein expression and Bcl-2/Bax ratio in P group were higher than in IIR group at each time point(P0.05).Bax protein expression and AI of hepatic cell in P group were lower than in IIR group at each time point(P0.05).In IIR group and P group,AI of hepatic cell had significant difference between 3 time points(P0.05).As reperfusion time prolonged,AI of hepatic cell in IIR group and P group increased(P0.05),highest at hour 6.Expression of Bcl-2,Bax protein and Bcl-2/Bax ratio had no significant difference between 3 time points in 3 groups(P0.05). Conclusion Expression of Bcl-2 and Bax protein increase after liver injury induced by intestinal ischemia-reperfusion in rats.Propofol can relieve the liver cellular apoptosis by regulating expression of Bcl-2 and Bax protein,which may be one of mechanisms of propofol to protect liver injury induced by intestinal ischemia-reperfusion in rats.