Objective   To observe the changes in interleukin-1 receptor associated kinase-4 (IRAK-4) in ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) liver preconditioned with taurine and to explore the protective mechanisms of taurine preconditioning against hepatic I/R injury after liver transplantation.     Methods   Male Sprague-Dawley rats

weighing 180-220 g

were randomized into two groups in a blind fashion: control

normal saline group (NS group)

and taurine preconditioning group (TA group). After organ harvest

standardized liver transplantation was performed. At 0

60 min and 180 min after reperfusion

and the liver tissue IRAK-4 gene and protein level were determined by real-time quantitative fluorogenic PCR (FQ-PCR) and Western blotting. The activity of NF-κB in liver tissue was determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). The serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) level was detected by ELISA. Serum transaminases

liver histology

graft and animal survivals were also investigated.     Results   Taurine preconditioning greatly enhanced the one-week survival rate (P0.01)

improved graft function

and ameliorated the histopathologic signs of injury. The liver tissue IRAK-4 mRNA expression level

NF-κB binding activity

and TNF-α production in TA group were significantly lower than those in NS group (P0.01).     Conclusion   The findings from our study suggest that taurine can protect hepatic I/R injury after liver transplantation and the protective effects may be via down-regulation of IRAK4 and its downstream NF-κB and TNF-α expression.