Abstract: Objective To investigate whether free heme released in hemolysis could directly damage hepatocytes and disrupt liver function. Methods The mice model of hemolytic transfusion reaction was established, and ALT, AST and other biochemical indexes were detected to analyze the liver function. In vitro, the LO2 cells were stimulated with different concentrations of lysed supernatant of red blood cells and heme respectively. Then the levels of ALT and AST were detected to analyze the liver function. Cell viability was observed by flow cytometry, and cell morphology and skeleton structure were observed by immunofluorescence. Results Abnormal liver function was observed on the mice model of hemolytic transfusion reaction. The results of in vitro experiments showed that LO2 cell viability decreased and the proportion of dead cells increased along with the incremental concentration of free heme. The biochemical indexes such as ALT and AST were aggravated significantly. And free heme could directly destroy the cytoskeleton of LO2 cells. Conclusion Free heme can directly destroy the cell structure of hepatocytes, inhibit cell vitality, induce cell death and abnormal liver function. The degree of damage is positively correlated with the concentration of free heme.

Key words: Hemolysis, Heme, Human liver normal cells LO2, Liver function injury