Hepatic endothelin‐1 and endocannabinoids‐dependent effects of hyperleptinemia in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis‐cirrhotic rats

Ying‐Ying Yang, Tung‐Hu Tsai, Yi‐Tsau Huang, Tzung‐Yan Lee, Che‐Chang Chan, Kuei‐Chuan Lee, Han‐Chieh Lin – 20 December 2011 – Leptin, the ob gene product, is a protein released from adipocytes and has been detected in fibrotic and cirrhotic livers. Leptin in brain has an inhibitory effect on food intake. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is characterized by hyperleptinemia. This study explores the possible mechanisms of hyperleptinemia in relation to increased intrahepatic resistance (IHR) and portal hypertension in NASH cirrhotic rats.

Suppression of interferon‐α signaling by hepatitis E virus

Chen Dong, Mohammad Zafrullah, Tonya Mixson‐Hayden, Xing Dai, Jiuhong Liang, Jihong Meng, Saleem Kamili – 20 December 2011 – The interferon (IFN) system is integral to the host response against viruses, and many viruses have developed strategies to overcome its antiviral effects. The effects of hepatitis E virus (HEV), the causative agent of hepatitis E, on IFN signaling have not been investigated primarily because of the nonavailability of an efficient in vitro culture system or small animal models of infection.

Retinoic acid receptor–related orphan receptor α–induced activation of adenosine monophosphate–activated protein kinase results in attenuation of hepatic steatosis

Eun‐Jin Kim, Young‐Sil Yoon, Suckchang Hong, Ho‐Young Son, Tae‐Young Na, Min‐Ho Lee, Hyun‐Jin Kang, Jinyoung Park, Won‐Jea Cho, Sang‐Gun Kim, Seung‐Hoi Koo, Hyeung‐geun Park, Mi‐Ock Lee – 20 December 2011 – There is increasing evidence that the retinoic acid receptor–related orphan receptor α (RORα) plays an important role in the regulation of metabolic pathways, particularly of fatty acid and cholesterol metabolism; however, the role of RORα in the regulation of hepatic lipogenesis has not been studied.

S6 kinase 2 deficiency enhances ketone body production and increases peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor alpha activity in the liver

KyeongJin Kim, Suhkneung Pyo, Sung Hee Um – 20 December 2011 – Nutrient homeostasis is tightly regulated by the balance between energy production and utilization. During fasting, production of ketone bodies as an alternative energy source is critical to maintain nutrient homeostasis. An important component in the nutrient‐sensitive signaling pathway is S6 kinase 2 (S6K2), a downstream effector of mammalian target of rapamycin.

Ursodeoxycholyl lysophosphatidylethanolamide improves steatosis and inflammation in murine models of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Anita Pathil, Jan Mueller, Arne Warth, Walee Chamulitrat, Wolfgang Stremmel – 20 December 2011 – Hepatic fat accumulation and changes in lipid composition are hallmarks of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). As an experimental approach for treatment of NAFLD, we synthesized the bile acid–phospholipid conjugate ursodeoxycholyl lysophosphatidylethanolamide (UDCA‐LPE). Previous work demonstrated profound hepatoprotective properties of the conjugate in vitro and in vivo. Here we investigated the effects of UDCA‐LPE in two nutritional mouse models of NAFLD.

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