Effects of TNF alpha on expression of SREBP-1c mRNA and triglyceride contents in cultured steatosis hepatocytes

Objective To explore the effects of TNF alpha on the expression of sterol-regulatory element binding protein-1c, SREBP-1c mRNA and the content of triglyceride (TG) in the models of cultured steatosis hepatocytes. Methods Steatosis models of hepatocytes were established by adding oleic acid to the growing L-02 cells, and then cultured in present with TNF alpha or its antibody. The expressions of SREBP-1c and fatty acid synthetase (FAS) mRNA were measured with RT-PCR, lipid droplets in the hepatocytes were observed with oil red staining and the TG contents in hepatocytes were measured with analyzed kit. Results SREBP-1c mRNA was upregulated in the TNF alpha treatment group in comparison with the normal control group(P0.01), while it was downregulated in the antibody treated group. More steatosis hypatocytes and high TG contents were found in the TNF alpha treatment group compared with normal control (P0.01), but in the antibody group, the cell number and the content were decreased (P0.01). Conclusion TNF alpha can upregulate the expression of SREBP-1c mRNA and promoted the synthesis of TG, indicating it probably participating in the lipid metabolism and process of steatosis of hepatocytes.