Work

Downregulation of Fetuin-B and Zinc-a2-glycoprotein is Linked to Impaired Fatty Acid Metabolism in Liver Cells

Year: 2012

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Our recent proteomic study has shown that plasma protein levels of fetuin-B (Ft-B) and zinc-α2-glycoprotein (ZAG) are significantly elevated in obesity-resistant (OR) rats exposed to a high fat diet. Time profiling of the plasma concentrations of Ft-B and ZAG in OR rats has shown stable regulation of these proteins throughout the entire period of rat breeding. METHODS: To firmly establish roles for these proteins in lipogenesis, we efficiently knocked down (KD) the genes FETUB and AZGP1 encoding Ft-B and ZAG, respectively, using siRNA in Chang liver cells. RESULTS: Reduced expression of FETUB and AZGP1 led to a significant increase in the expression of lipogenic genes, thereby resulting in higher lipid levels in both KD cells. Collectively with our previous findings, we confirmed that Ft-B was similarly regulated with Ft-A, in that their plasma protein levels were commonly reduced in diet-induced obese rats. CONCLUSION: Our results provide a possible relationship between reduced plasma protein levels of Ft-B and ZAG and higher risk of diet-induced obesity through impaired fatty acid metabolism in hepatocytes.

Source: Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry

DOI: 10.1159/000339065

Authors: Jung-Won Choi, Hao Liu, Rajib Mukherjee, Jong Won Yun

Institution: Daegu University

Language: English

Topic: Adipokines, Inflammation, and Metabolic Diseases

Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,925