Effect of bicyclol on gene expression profiles in mice with liver injury induced by concanavalin A

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the novel antihepatitis drug bicyclol on the gene expression profiles in concanavalin A (Con A) intoxicated mice by using cDNA microarray analysis. Bicyclol (250 mg·kg^-1) was given orally to mice three doses before Con A intravenous injection (26.5 mg·kg^-1). Serum levels of aminotransferases were examined by biochemical methods. Liver mRNA was extracted and reversely transcribed to cDNA with the incorporation of labeled Cy3-dUTP and Cy5-dUTP, separately. The probes were hybridized to the cDNA microarray. The acquired image was scanned and analyzed by Cenepix Pro 3.0 software. Microarray analysis showed that 287 genes exhibited differential expression in bicyclol group, in which 121 genes were up-regulated and 166 genes were down-regulated comparing with that of untreated Con A intoxicated mice. The differential gene expression after bicyclol treatment was involved in the biotransformation, protein synthesis, degradation and circadian rhythm, proliferation and signal transduction. Bicyclol might regulate a series of genes expressions in Con A intoxicated mice.