Abstract: Objective The purpose of this experiment was to investigate hepatitis B whole x (HBwx) gene promotes inflammation reaction of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and triggers hepatocyte apoptosis in vitro. Methods The LX2 cells were divided into control, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-, HBwx transfected and LPS and HBwx transfection combination-intervened groups. The cell p62 and LC3 as well as NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) and pro-IL expression were detected by Western blot, and supernatant IL-1β levels were detected by ELISA. The HL7702 hepatocytes were co-cultured by the supernatants of LX2 cells intervened mentioned above. The cell apoptosis was detected by FCM. Results The HBwx protein was clearly expressed in the cytoplasm of transfected LX2 cells; the LC3 expression decreased, while p62 expression increased in LPS-, HBwx- and LPS and HBwx combination-intervened groups as compared to in the control (P<0.05); the NLRP3 and pro-IL expression increased in LPS-, HBwx- and LPS and HBwx combination-intervened groups as compared to in the control (P<0.05); the supernatant IL-1β levels increased in LPS-, HBwx- and LPS and HBwx combination-intervened groups as compared to in the control (P<0.05); the apoptosis of HL-7702 cells significantly increased in LPS-, HBwx- and especially in LPS and HBwx combination-intervened groups as compared to in the control (P<0.05). Conclusions HBwx promotes inflammatory reaction in HSCs by inhibition of cell autophagy and induces hepatocyte apoptosis.

Key words: LX2 cells, HL7702 cells, Hepatitis B whole x, Autophagy, Apoptosis, In vitro