Hepatic microRNA modulation might be an early event to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease development driven by high-fat diet in male mice

Author(s)

Panzarin, Carolina ; de Paula Simino, Lais Angelica ; Silva Mancini, Mariana Camargo ; Ignacio-Souza, Leticia Martins ; Milanski, Marciane ; Torsoni, Marcio Alberto ; Torsoni, Adriana Souza

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: MOLECULAR BIOLOGY REPORTS; v. 49, n. 4, p. 12-pg., 2022-01-20.

Abstract

Introduction Metabolic alterations caused by an imbalance of macronutrient consumption are often related to the modulation of microRNAs (miRNAs), which could alter mRNAs expression profile and accelerate the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Aims This study aimed to investigate the contribution of miRNAs in modulating early stages of NAFLD in mice submitted to a high-fat diet (HFD). Methods and results Male Swiss mice, fed either a control diet or an HFD for 1, 3, 7, 15, 30, 56 days, were assessed for metabolic alterations, gene expression and NAFLD markers. A hepatocyte cell line was used to investigate the effects of miR-370 modulation on enzymes involved in beta-oxidation. Body weight and adiposity were higher after 7 days of HFD. Fasting glucose and insulin increased after 3 and 7 days of HFD, respectively. While hepatic lipid content increased from the first day on, hepatic glycogen had a decrease after 3 days of HFD consumption. miR-370 and Let-7 expression increased with acute and chronic exposure to HFD, accompanied by carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (Cpt1a), acyl-CoA dehydrogenase very long chain (Acadvl) and protein kinase AMP-activated Catalytic Subunit 2 (Prkaa2) downregulation, while decreased miR-122 expression was accompanied by 1-acylglycerol-3-phosphate-O-acyltransferase (Agpat) upregulation after 56 days of HFD consumption, some of them confirmed by in vitro experiments. Despite fluctuations in TNFa and IL6 mRNA levels, molecular modulation was consistent with hepatic TG and NAFLD development. Conclusion Hepatic miR-370-122-Let7 miRNA modulation could be the first insult to NAFLD development, preceding changes in glycemic homeostasis and adiposity. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/18321-6 - Involvement of NFKB kinase inducer on liver regeneration in mice submitted to partial hepatectomy.
• Grantee: Adriana Souza Torsoni
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants