Expressions of TNFα, Leptin-Rb, NF-κB and PPAR-γ in rat alcoholic liver disease

Objective: To investigate the expressions of TNFα, NF-κB, leptin-Rb and PPAR-γ mRNA in liver tissues of rats with alcoholic fatty liver to identify the relationship between these factors and liver inflammation, necrosis and fibrosis. Methods: Long-time rat model groups (gastric cannulation ethanol infusion models of ALD) were made. At the end of 4th, 8th, 12th, 24th and 52th week, the expressions of TNFα, NF-κB and PPAR-γ protein and mRNA in rat liver tissues were observed with immunohistochemical method and in situ hybridization. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed to determine the expression of Leptin-Rb mRNA. Results: The expressions of TNFα, NF-κB and leptin-Rb in rat alcoholic fatty liver enhanced gradually from week 8. Strong positive expression lasted from week 24 to week 52. The expression of PPAR-γ was strongly positive in control group and in 4th and 8th week model groups (P<0.01). The expression weakened from week 12. The expression of TNFα in liver tissues was positively correlated with that of NF-κB significantly and negatively correlated with that of PPAR-γ. Conclusion: TNFα and NF-κB were strongly positively correlated with the liver inflammation and necrosis. The expression of leptin-Rb increased in hepatocytes, which induced hepatic fibrosis in rats. The expression of PPAR-γ increased in the initial period and lowered in the later time.