HepaticIschemia/Reperfusion Injuryinvolves functional tryptase/PAR-2 signaling in liver sinusoidal endothelial cell

Jian Song1, Zhigang He2, Muqing Yang3

  • 1Geriatric Cancer Center, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, West 221 Yan-an Road, Shanghai 200040, China; Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Wuxi No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 68 Zhongshan Road, Wuxi 214002, Jiangsu, China.

Insights

Mast cells release tryptase during liver injury. Tryptase activates protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR-2) on liver cells, promoting inflammation and neutrophil infiltration in hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Hepatology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Mast cells (MCs) are early responders in hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury, releasing diverse mediators.
  • The role of specific mediators like tryptase and its receptor protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR-2) in hepatic IR remains unclear.
  • Tryptase is a key protease for MC degranulation, and PAR-2 is expressed on endothelial cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of the tryptase/PAR-2 axis in hepatic IR injury.
  • To determine if tryptase contributes to liver damage and inflammation during IR.

Main Methods:

  • A warm 70% liver IR model in mice was utilized.
  • Tryptase levels were measured and correlated with liver injury.
  • Tryptase inhibition (protamine) and exogenous tryptase administration were employed.
  • In vitro studies examined neutrophil infiltration and inflammatory factor secretion.
  • NF-κB pathway activation was assessed.

Main Results:

  • Tryptase accumulated in circulation during hepatic IR and correlated positively with liver injury.
  • Tryptase inhibition reduced adhesion molecule expression and neutrophil infiltration.
  • Inflammatory factors and chemokines mirrored liver pathology.
  • Exogenous tryptase induced damage in MC-deficient mice.
  • In vitro, Tryptase/PAR-2 regulated neutrophil adhesion and inflammation via NF-κB.

Conclusions:

  • The tryptase/PAR-2 axis plays a significant role in early-phase liver injury during hepatic IR.
  • Tryptase activation of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) contributes to IR-induced liver damage.