Effect of miR-34a in regulating steatosis by targeting PPARα expression in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

• DOI: 10.1038/srep13729
• Publication Date: 2015-09-02T11:12:13Z
• Authors: Jiexia Ding; Meng Li; Xingyong Wan; Xi Jin; Shaohua Chen; Chaohui Yu; Youming Li
• Keywords: Steatosis

MicroRNA-34a (miR-34a) is thought to be involved in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the association between altered expression of miR-34a and pathophysiological features NAFLD remains unclear. Here, we investigated mechanisms by which influences through PPARα-related pathway. Real-time quantitative PCR, western blotting other assays kit were used investigate function an model. Cultured cells transfected with inhibitor C57BL/6 mice injected vein tail conducted for effects on its target. MiR-34a levels significantly upregulated steatosis-induced hepatocytes tissues high-fat diet-fed mice. The upregulation resulted downregulation hepatic PPARα SIRT1 that are direct targets miR-34a. Silencing led initially increased PPARα, PPARα's downstream genes. Activation central metabolic sensor AMPK was also increased. suppressed lipid accumulation improved degree steatosis. Taken together, our data indicated decreased potentially contributes metabolism NAFLD. Downregulation may a therapeutic strategy against regulating target SIRT1.