Objective: To identify differences in the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR alpha) target genes in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) among Chinese individuals.
Methods: Thirty healthy subjects were selected as the control group (CN), and 43 patients newly diagnosed with NAFLD were subdivided into two groups, non-obese group (NF, n = 21) and obese group (OF, n = 22). Expression of PPAR and its target genes was determined in PBMCs. The levels of liver cell damage markers, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), free fatty acids (FFA), glucose, and insulin were determined in serum.
Results: Compared to the CN group, the blood pressure and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were increased in the other groups (P < 0.05), while the systolic blood pressure (SBP) and liver cell damage markers were significantly increased in the OF group (P < 0.05). In the OF group, PPAR target gene expression was 2.03-3.31 times higher than that in the CN group, and a negative correlation was found between PPAR target gene expression and abdominal circumference (AC), body mass index (BMI), diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Additionally, solute carrier family 25 (carnitine/acylcarnitine translocase) member 20 (SLC25A20) and acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase 2 long chain (ACADVL) were negatively correlated with HOMA-IR; PPAR, acetyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase 2 (ACAA2), and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A) were positively correlated with HOMA-IR.
Conclusion: There is an up-expression of PPAR target genes in the PBMCs of NAFLD patients, possibly leading to changes in beta-oxidation and insulin resistance.
[1]Shandong Univ, Qilu Hosp Qingdao, Med Expt Ctr, Qingdao 266035, Peoples R China.
[2]Dynacare, 150 Montreal Rd, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
[3]Shandong Univ, Clin Lab, Qilu Hosp Qingdao, Qingdao 266035, Peoples R China.
[4]Qingdao Key Lab Mitochondrial Med, Hefei Rd 758, Qingdao 758, Peoples R China.
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