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

Abstract

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. In this study, the gene and protein expressions of CD38 were investigated in a thioacetamide-induced rat model of cirrhosis by using real-time RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, and immunoblotting. cADPR and NAD+ contents in liver were 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 and in contrast, there was a significant decrease in the endogenous NAD+ in cirrhotic liver. In conclusion, these results raised the possibility that altered CD38 expression and a concomitant elevation of the enzymatic activity as well as cADPR may play an important role in the pathogenesis of liver cirrhosis.