The zinc finger protein A20 protects endothelial cells from burns serum injury

Burn injuries as well as skin damages are often associated with immune suppression and often cause multiple organ failures. The monolayer endothelium is vulnerable to injuries from circulating factors resulting from remote wounds. Endothelial cell activation and apoptosis can alter microvascular permeability and intensify organ damage. A20, as a physiological cytoprotective gene is essential for preventing spontaneous innate immune cell-mediated inflammation and tissue destruction. It is not known whether A20 has the function to protect endothelial cells from the effect of burns serum challenge on endothelial function in vitro. This study shows that A20 can express in endothelial cells after burns serum stimulation and inhibit endothelial cell activation and apoptosis induced by burns serum. These results suggest that A20 may be beneficial in limiting the response to burn injuries. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.