Influence of aflatoxin B1 on mRNA levels of acute-phase proteins and oncoproteins in albino rat liver

Abstract

Background: The effect of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) administration on expression of genes coding for acute-phase proteins, and nuclear protooncogenes c-fos and c-jun, and alpha-fetoprotein gene has been studied in rats. Methods: AFB1 was administered to male Albino Oxford (AO) rats as a single intraperitoneal dose (1 mg/kg body weight). The expression of genes for albumin, cystein protease inhibitor, fibrinogen, haptoglobin, a1-acid glycoprotein and for c-Fos, c-Jun and alpha-fetoprotein in rat liver was measured by Northern hybridization. Results: The mild increase in the levels of mRNA for acute-phase proteins after AFB1 administration was observed during the first 24 hours. The exceptions were the mRNA levels in liver for cystein protease inhibitor, which were 50%, decreased as compared to the control values. In addition, mild increase of the expression of c-fos protooncogene with two peaks were noted at three (1.3 fold) and 72 hours (1.5 fold) after injection AFB1 to rats. The expression of nuclear protooncogene c-jun at 1 hour and 72 hour after acute poisoning was 2.6 fold and 3.7 fold increased as compared to control values, respectively. The mRNA levels in liver for the alpha-fetoprotein reached a maximum at 1 hour after AFB1 injection and it was 1.8 times higher than the levels in the livers of nontreated animals. Conclusion: Single administration of AFB1 induced increased transcription of c-jun and c-fos genes while typical acute-phase response was not found.