Fig. 5.

Nrf2 was critical for regulating the EPI-provided protection against MCT-induced HSOS at the early stage. Wild-type or Nrf2 knock-out mice were given with MCT (360 mg/kg) and EPI (40 mg/kg), and sacrificed at 24 h after MCT administration. (A) Serum ALT activity (n = 6). (B) Serum AST activity (n = 6). (C) Serum TBA amount (n = 6). (D) Serum TBil amount (n = 6). (E) Hepatic ROS level (n = 6). (F) Hepatic Nrf2 expression. Below figure is the quantitative densitometric analysis of Nrf2 protein (n = 5). (G) Histological observation of liver injury. (original magnification ×100, upper; partial enlarged pictures, down. The arrows indicate intrahepatic hemorrhage, indicate necrosis of hepatocytes, indicate hepatic infiltration of immune cells). (H) Scanning electron microscopy observation. (Red arrows indicate the enlargement of fenestrate, exposure of the Disse space and the damage of endothelium). Data are expressed as mean ± SEM. ^*P < 0.05 versus control; ^&P < 0.05 versus wild-type mice.