Protective Effects of Interleukin-37 Expression against Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Mice

Figure 2

pcDNA3.1-IL-37 pretreatment attenuates APAP-induced liver injury. Mice underwent pretreatment with pcDNA3.1-IL-37 at 24 h before APAP challenge. The serum and liver tissue of animals were collected at 24 h after APAP injection. Liver sections obtained from animals at 24 h after APAP injection were subjected to histological analysis of hepatic necrosis. (a) Serum ALT and AST levels measured in each group. (b) Liver MPO activity. (c) Representative images of H&E staining chosen from each group. Bar graph shows the histopathological scores of inflammatory cells infiltration and liver necrosis. (d) Effect of IL-37 on the liver infiltrating Kupffer cells. Liver tissues were immunostained with anti-F4/80 antibody. Typical images were chosen from each group. Bar graph shows the scores of F4/80⁺ Kupffer cells. Data are expressed as mean ± SD (n = 6–8 per group, , , and vs. the pcDNA3.1/APAP group).

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