Relationship between the expressions of Bcl-2 protein and caspase-3 gene and hepatocyte apoptosis in fulminant hepatic failure

Objective: To study the effect of the expressions of Bcl-2 protein and caspase-3 gene on hepatocyte apoptosis in the experimental model of fulminant hepatic failure(FHF).Methods: The experimental mouse model of FHF was established by injecting lipopolysaccharide(LPS) and D-galactosamine(D-GalN).The expressions of Bcl-2 protein and caspase-3 gene in liver tissue were determined by immunohistochemistry method and in situ hybridization,respectively.The hepatocyte apoptosis was examined by TUNEL method.Results: In FHF model group,Bcl-2 protein expression significantly increased 2 hours after the injection,reached the peak 4 hours later,and then gradually decreased.Bcl-2 protein expression 4 hours after the injection was significantly higher than that 2,8,and 12 hours after the injection,respectively(P 0.05,P 0.01,P 0.01,respectively).Caspase-3 gene expression was found 2 hours after the injection of LPS and D-GalN,reached the peak 8 hours after the injection,and decreased 12 hours later.The typical apoptotic hepatocytes significantly increased 8 hours after the injection,and the hepatocyte apoptosis and hepatic necrosis appeared simultaneously 12 hours later.Bcl-2 protein expression negatively correlated with both the hepatocyte apoptosis and caspase-3 gene expression.Conclusion: The hepatocyte apoptosis is correlated with the activation of caspase-3 in FHF,and Bcl-2 may inhibit the hepatocyte apoptosis by inhibiting the activation of caspase-3 expression.