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Optimized Analysis of In Vivo and In Vitro Hepatic Steatosis

Published on: March 11, 2017

Expression of genes for microRNA-processing enzymes is altered in advanced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Haveesh Sharma1, Michael Estep, Aybike Birerdinc

  • 1Betty and Guy Beatty Center for Integrated Research, Inova Health System, Falls Church, Virginia 22042, USA.

Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
|May 14, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Visceral adipose tissue microRNAs (miRNAs) and their processing enzymes are altered in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). These changes suggest a role for adipose-derived miRNAs in NASH pathogenesis in obese patients.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular biology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in the development and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
  • miRNAs are transcribed as pri-miRNAs and processed by specific enzymes into mature forms.
  • Understanding miRNA regulation in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is crucial for NAFLD/NASH research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate miRNA processing enzyme and pri-miRNA expression in VAT of obese patients with NAFLD.
  • To explore the relationship between miRNA regulation and NAFLD/NASH severity.

Main Methods:

  • VAT samples were collected from bariatric surgery patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD (NASH [n=12] and non-NASH [n=12]).
  • mRNA levels of miRNA processing enzymes (Drosha, DGCR8, Dicer1) and specific pri-miRNAs were measured.
  • Correlations with liver histology and body mass index were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • NASH patients showed increased expression of Dicer1, Drosha, DGCR8, and pri-miR-7-1.
  • Focal necrosis correlated with Dicer1 and DGCR8 levels.
  • Hepatocyte ballooning degeneration correlated positively with pri-miR-26a-1 and pri-miR-7-1.
  • Histologic NASH correlated positively with pri-miR-16-2 and pri-miR-7-1.
  • pri-miR-125b-2 expression correlated positively with BMI.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated expression of miRNA processing enzymes and specific pri-miRNAs in VAT is associated with NASH.
  • These findings support the role of VAT-derived miRNAs in the pathogenesis of NASH in obese individuals.
Keywords:
miRNAnon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)visceral adipose

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