Cold storage induces rat liver pyroptosis by activating endoplasmic reticulum stress response through the ATF6-CHOP pathway
Abstract Aims :Liver injury is a common complication of cold storage (CS), and often constitutes a direct cause for liver transplantation failure. The cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying CS-induced liver injury remain unclear. Recent evidence indicates that pyroptosis plays an important role in multiple pathophysiological processes. Using rat liver tissue and cells as a model, we identified a novel mechanism by which inflammasome-dependent interleukin-1β (IL-1β) activation and hepatocyte pyroptosis mediate CS-induced liver injury.Methods :To induce CS, liver tissue and cells were subjected to storage at 4ºC for 12 and 24 h. Inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress was achieved by RNA silencing. Measurements of caspase-1, caspase-11, and IL-1β were performed.Results: Pyroptosis was activated in CS-treated livers, as evidenced by increased levels of caspase-1 and caspase-11 activity, and the elevated expression of IL-1β. ER stress response was activated as well. Inhibition of ER stress response prevented CS-induced liver pyroptosis and inflammation.Conclusion : Our findings suggest that pyroptosis might be playing an important role in the development of liver injury induced by CS. Overactivated ER stress response, followed by activation of the ATF6-CHOP signaling pathway, might be a novel molecular mechanism involved in CS-induced pyroptosis of liver tissue and cells.