Effects of thalidomide on the expression of adhesion molecules in rat liver cirrhosis

Abstract

This study was to evaluate the effects of thalidomide on expression of adhesion molecules in liver cirrhosis. The cirrhosis was induced in Wistar rats by intraperitoneal injection of CCl 4, and thalidomide (10 mg/kg/day or100 mg/kg/day) was given by intragastric administration for 8weeks. Liver histopathology and immunohistochemistry were significantly improved and the expressions of ICAM-1, VCAM-1,E-selectin, and TNF-α mRNA and protein were decreased significantly in rats treated with a high dose of thalidomide.Close positive correlation was observed in the expression of the TNF-α mRNA and that of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and E-selectin mRNA,respectively. These results indicate that thalidomide exerts its effect on the downregulation of adhesion molecules via TNF-α signaling pathway to inhibit liver fibrosis. Copyright © 2006 Peng Lv et al.