Changes of E-cadherin and N-cadherin expressions in the mice model biliary atresia

Biliary atresia (BA) is a progressive inflammatory and non-obstructive disorder with unclear etiology. BA management has yet to obtain satisfactory results. The pathogenesis is currently unclear, thought to have originated from bile duct epithelium viral infection, followed by an Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) process that ended with biliary cirrhosis. This study aimed to examine the changes of E-cadherin and N-cadherin expressions in mice model biliary atresia. Forty-eight newborn mice (Balb/c) were randomized into two groups that received a placebo and 1.5 x106 plaque-forming units (pfu) of rhesus rotavirus (RRV) intraperitoneally within less than 24 hours after birth. Each group was terminated on days 3, 7, 14, and 21, further examining the expressions of E-cadherin and N-cadherin with flow cytometry. Statistical analysis was done using Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis. The mean initial weight of the newborn was 1.82 grams (heterogeneity p = 0.2). A total of 48 samples were found in the study. However, only 39 were able to be included (9 newborn mice were dead). There were differences in the expressions of E-cadherin and N-cadherin (p=0.01). Interaction expression between days and group differed significantly with p<0.001. Cadherin Switch or ratio expressions between E-cadherin and N-cadherin with p<0.001. Induction and duration of illness after RRV exposure influence the expressions of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and cadherin switch in the murine model of biliary atresia.