Serum translationally controlled tumor protein is involved in rat liver regeneration after hepatectomy

Aim The translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) has been reported to promote progression of many physiological processes. However, whether TCTP is involved in liver regeneration has been rarely studied. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of serum TCTP in liver regeneration after two‐thirds partial hepatectomy. Methods The synthesis rate and accumulated expression of TCTP was assessed by phosphor imaging and Western blot analysis, respectively. The mRNA expression of tctp was analyzed by quantitative real‐time PCR. The effect of serum TCTP on hepatocyte proliferation was investigated by bromodeoxyuridine incorporation, liver/body weight ratio, albumin concentration, and histological examination of liver following treatment of rat with anti‐TCTP antibody or prokaryotic TCTP protein before hepatectomy. The MTT assay was used to examine effect of TCTP on hepatocyte proliferation in vitro. Results The results showed that the expression of intracellular and serum TCTP protein was significantly increased in rats after two‐thirds partial hepatectomy. In vivo bromodeoxyuridine labeling assay suggested that treatment with anti‐TCTP antibody before hepatectomy significantly decreased hepatocyte proliferation and liver/body weight ratio. The prokaryotic TCTP had a potential promoting effect on hepatocyte proliferation both in vivo and in vitro, although prokaryotic TCTP given to rats prior to hepatectomy did not increase the proliferation ratio or liver/body weight ratio. Furthermore, anti‐TCTP antibody pretreatment decreased the expression of cyclin E, cdk2, and interleukin‐6 in rat liver. Conclusion These findings suggest serum TCTP is involved in rat liver regeneration through promoting hepatocyte proliferation.