Activation of non-ischemic, hypoxia-inducible signalling pathways up-regulate cytoprotective genes in the murine liver

Background/Aims We investigated the molecular response of a non-ischemic hypoxic stress in the liver, in particular, to distinguish its hepatoprotective potential. Methods The livers of mice were subjected to non-ischemic hypoxia by clamping the hepatic-artery (HA) for 2 h while maintaining portal circulation. Hypoxia was defined by a decrease in oxygen saturation, the activation of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1 and the mRNA up-regulation of responsive genes. To demonstrate that the molecular response to hypoxia may in part be hepatoprotective, pre-conditioned animals were injected with an antibody against Fas (Jo2) to induce acute liver failure. Hepatocyte apoptosis was monitored by caspase-3 activity, cleavage of lamin A and animal survival. Results Clamping the HA induced a hypoxic stress in the liver in the absence of severe metabolic distress or tissue damage. The hypoxic stimulus was sufficient to activate the HIF-1 signalling pathway and up-regulate hepatoprotective genes. Pre-conditioning the liver with hypoxia was able to delay the onset of Fas-mediated apoptosis and prolong animal survival. Conclusions Our data reveal that hepatic cells can sense and respond to a decrease in tissue oxygenation, and furthermore, that activation of hypoxia-inducible signalling pathways function in part to promote liver cell survival.