Compensatory Increase of Serum Hepassocin Protects Hyperthyroidism-Induced Hepatic Dysfunction

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Hepatology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Hyperthyroidism frequently causes hepatic dysfunction.
• Hepassocin, a hepatokine, is known for its role in metabolic diseases and liver protection.
• The specific role of hepassocin in hyperthyroidism was previously unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between hepassocin and hyperthyroidism.
• To explore the protective mechanisms of hepassocin against hyperthyroidism-induced liver injury.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of serum hepassocin and ALT levels in 36 Graves' disease patients before and after treatment.
• In vitro study using HepG2 cells treated with hepassocin recombinant protein and triiodothyronine (T3).
• Assessment of liver enzyme levels (ALT, AST) and PEPCK expression.

Main Results:

• Serum hepassocin concentrations and ALT levels decreased significantly 6 months after hyperthyroidism treatment.
• Hepassocin treatment reduced T3-induced ALT and AST elevation in HepG2 cells.
• Hepassocin dose-dependently increased PEPCK expression, while its deletion reversed T3 effects.

Conclusions:

• A compensatory increase in serum hepassocin may play a protective role in hyperthyroidism-induced hepatic dysfunction.
• T3 upregulates hepassocin expression via a hepatocyte nuclear factor 1α-dependent pathway.