Optimum Overexpression of Rat Heme Oxygenase-1 Induced by CoPP

Objective To study the optimum overexpression of rat heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) induced by CoPP and its protective effect on liver ischemia/reperfusion injury (IR1). Methods Rat model of hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury was established and the rats were given CoPP (5 mg/kg,2.5mg/kg and 2.5mg/kg body weight (twice), ip) before IR. HO-1 activity was inhibited by ZnPP. The levels of AST, LDH, MDA were measured. HO-1 protein expression was analyzed by Western blot and the pathological changes of liver were observed by light microscopy and electron microscopy. Results CoPP induction groups had significant HO-1 protein expression, and compared with IR group, the levels of AST, LDH, MDA in CoPP induction groups were decreased significantly and the liver damage was lightened. The results were best in the 2.5 mg/kg body weight (twice) group among the three CoPP induction groups. Treatment with ZnPP, an HO-1 inhibitor, abolished these beneficial effects. Conclusions The optimum induction dose of CoPP was 2.5mg/kg body weight (twice) and the overexpression of HO-1 induced by CoPP in this dose could protect rat livers from IRI.