The nuclear factor-B inhibitory protein A20 demonstrates hepatoprotective abilities through combined antiapoptotic, antiinflammatory, and pro-proliferative functions. Accordingly, overexpression of A20 in the liver protects mice from toxic hepatitis and lethal radical hepatectomy, whereas A20 knockout mice die prematurely from unfettered liver inflammation. The effect of A20 on oxidative liver damage, as seen in ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI), is unknown. In this work, we evaluated the effects of A20 upon IRI using a mouse model of total hepatic ischemia. Hepatic overexpression of A20 was achieved by recombinant adenovirus (rAd.)-mediated gene transfer. Although only 10%-25% of control mice injected with saline or the control rAd. galactosidase survived IRI, the survival rate reached 67% in mice treated with rAd.A20. This significant survival advantage in rAd.A20-treated mice was associated with improved liver function, pathology, and repair potential. A20-treated mice had significantly lower bilirubin and aminotransferase levels, decreased hemorrhagic necrosis and steatosis, and increased hepatocyte proliferation. A20 protected against liver IRI by increasing hepatic expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR␣), a regulator of lipid homeostasis and of oxidative damage. A20-mediated protection of hepatocytes from hypoxia/reoxygenation and H 2 O 2 -mediated necrosis was reverted by pretreatment with the PPAR␣ inhibitor MK886.In conclusion, we demonstrate that PPAR␣ is a novel target for A20 in hepatocytes, underscoring its novel protective effect against oxidative necrosis. By combining hepatocyte protection from necrosis and promotion of proliferation, A20-based therapies are well-poised to protect livers from IRI, especially in the context of small-for-size and steatotic liver grafts. Liver Ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) of the liver is a major cause of hepatic failure in the context of liver resection surgery, liver trauma, and liver transplantation.1,2 The clinical outcome of IRI is largely dependent on the severity of the insult and on the pre-existing condition of the liver. For instance, steatosis, which affects 25% of the western population, is a critical aggravating factor for IRI.
3The precise sequence of events leading to liver IRI has not been completely elucidated. There is, however, substantial evidence that ischemia depletes ATP levels (energy) and results in the activation of Kü pffer cells, production of proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF), generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and perturbation of the hepatic microcirculation. 4 These events lead to a massive inflammatory Abbreviations: gal, galactosidase; BrdU, 5 bromo-2-deoxyuridine; CDKI, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor; FA, fatty acids; HPF, high-power field; IRI, ischemia reperfusion injury; MOI, multiplicity of infection; NF-B, nuclear factor kappa B; PPAR␣, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha; rAd., recombinant adenovirus; ROS, reactive oxygen species; SEM, ...