Altered CD38 expression in thioacetamide-induced rat model of liver cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is a gradually developing, chronic disease which involves the whole liver. Here, we have shown that CD38 undergoes altered expression upon thioacetamide-induced cirrhosis in rats. CD38 is a type II transmembrane glycoprotein that exhibits ADP-ribosyl cyclase and cADPR hydrolase activities. In this study, the gene and protein expressions of CD38 were investigated in a thioacetamide-induced rat model of cirrhosis.

CD38 expression was studied by using real-time RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, and immunoblotting. cADPR content in liver was measured using cycling assay.

There was a significant increase in CD38 mRNA and protein expressions as well as ADP-ribosyl cyclase activity in cirrhotic liver compared to the control liver. cADPR level was found to be modestly but significantly augmented in cirrhotic liver.

These results raised the possibility that altered CD38 expression and a concomitant elevation of the enzymatic activity as well as cADPR may be involved in the pathogenesis of liver cirrhosis.