OBJECTIVETo investigate the hepatic expression of sterol regulatory element-binding proteins-1c (SREBP-1c) in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

METHODSNAFLD patients were confirmed using clinical and pathological methods. The expressions of protein and mRNA of SREBP-1 c in the livers were detected by immunohistochemistry, reverse transcription and polymerase chain reactions. The expression of protein of fatty acid synthases (FAS) controlled by SREBP-1c was observed by immunofluorescence. Levels of triglyceride and cholesterol in serum were measured.

RESULTSThe serum levels of triglyceride and cholesterol were positively correlated with hepatic adipose degeneration (r=0.71 or 0.70, P less than 0.05). The levels of SREBP-1c protein in the livers of NAFLD patients were significantly higher than those of the control group (2.19+/-0.31 vs 1.15+/-0.20, t=11.06, P less than 0.05), and the more severe the fatty degeneration, the stronger their expression (F=24.54, P less than 0.01). The expressions of the SREBP-1C mRNA in the livers showed the same changes (0.69+/-0.02 vs 0.40+/-0.02, t= -14.63, P less than 0.05). The expression of FAS was enhanced significantly in the livers of the NAFLD patients.

CONCLUSIONEnhanced expression of SREBP-1 c and FAS maybe a factor causing hepatic lipopexia in NAFLD patients.