Gene Linked to Severe Liver Damage

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a clinically advanced form of NAFLD characterized by hepatic inflammation with or without scarring that is associated with increased liver-related morbidity and mortality.

Severe liver fibrosis represents the end-stage pathology evolving from a number of pathogenic mechanisms and is considered a major risk factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Although oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and immune response are associated with inflammation and fibrosis in NASH, the molecular mechanisms by which fibrosis develops and progresses in these patients remain only partially understood.

A team of scientists collaborating with Temple University School of Medicine (Philadelphia, PA, USA) had recently identified adipocyte enhancer binding protein 1 (AEBP1) as a member of a core set of dysregulated fibrosis-specific genes in human NASH. Here they sought to investigate the relationship between AEBP1 and hepatic fibrosis, the team included from the final sample size across the four histological grades: 36 who were normal, 50 with steatosis, 52 with inflammation, and 53 with fibrosis.

The scientists used several different methods to come to a conclusion. These methods included an analysis of RNA sequencing data, RNA extraction from liver wedge biopsies, cell culture, total RNA extraction and quantification from cells and the miRNA quantity and quality were assessed using the 2100 Bioanalyzer System. Other methodologies investigated included protein extraction and quantification, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), 3’UTR dual-luciferase reporter assay and transfection with miRNA mimics and inhibitors.

The team reported that hepatic AEBP1 expression is elevated in fibrosis compared to lobular inflammation, steatosis, and normal liver, and increases with worsening fibrosis in NASH patients. AEBP1 expression was upregulated 5.8-fold in activated hepatic stellate cells and downregulated during chemical and contact induction of biological quiescence. In LX-2 and HepG2 cells treated with high glucose (25 mM), AEBP1 expression increased over 7-fold compared to normal glucose conditions. In response to treatment with either fructose or palmitate, AEBP1 expression in primary human hepatocytes increased 2.4-fold or 9.6-fold, but was upregulated 55.8-fold in the presence of fructose and palmitate together.

The authors concluded that AEBP1 expression was increased in human liver biopsies from patients with NASH fibrosis, in activated human stellate cells, and in human liver cells treated with glucose, fructose, and palmitate. AEBP1 regulated the expression of nine fibrosis-specific genes that were also members of an algorithm-predicted AEBP1 target gene network in NASH. They also found that AEBP1 functionally interacted with two miRNAs.

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Temple University School of Medicine