Preliminary Detection Of The Role Of Alpha-fetoprotein In Liver Injury And Possible Mechanism

Objective: Alpha-fetoprotein(AFP)and endoplasmic reticulum stress(ERS)are nearly related with liver injury.In this study,we explored the mutual regulation of endogenous AFP in hepatocytes and ERS,and its role in hepatocyte injury.Methods:(1)AFP expression in liver tissues of chronic hepatitis B patients was detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot(WB);(2)the liver injury model was induced by CCL4 and tunicamycin,to investigate the expression of AFP in the liver and its regulation by endoplasmic reticulum stres;(3)By targeting knockdown of AFP expression,we explored its role and mechanism in liver injury.Results:(1)Compared with the control group,the expression of AFP in the liver tissue of chronic hepatitis B patients was increased,especially in the necrotic area.(2)Serum AFP level was not detected in CCl4-induced chronic liver injury model mice,but AFP expression and ERS-related pathway protein levels in liver increased.(3)In TM-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress model mice,liver damage was evident,and the expression of AFP in the liver increased.(4)CCL4-iduced hepatocyte endoplasmic reticulum stress,apoptosis and programmed necrosis were increased by AFP knock-out,but the expression of ATF6 was decreased.Conclusion: AFP may suppress ERS by feedback,reduce liver apoptosis and programmed necrosis,and protect liver injury.