Investigating the Effect of Galbanic Acid on Lipin-1 and Lipin-2 Genes in Fatty Liver Cells with Palmitate.

BACKGROUND

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is related to lipid accumulation and inflammation. Considering the role of lipin-1 and lipin-2 in fat homeostasis and inflammation, this study aimed to explore the effect of galbanic acid (Gal) and resveratrol (RSV) on alterations in the gene expression levels and protein abundance of lipin-1 and lipin-2 in HepG2 liver cells lipid-enriched with palmitate (Pal).

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

HepG2 cells were subjected to different amounts of Gal and RSV for 24 hours in the presence of Pal to induce lipid accumulation. The RT-PCR method was employed to assess the expression of lipin-1 and lipin-2 genes, while protein levels were evaluated by western blot analysis. Lipid accumulation was determined qualitatively and semi-quantitatively using the oil-red staining technique.

RESULTS

Gal treatment increased lipin-1 and lipin-2 gene expression (P < 0.05). In contrast, the groups treated with RSV did not show a substantial variance in the expression levels of the two genes (P > 0.05). In the groups treated with Gal/RSV, the intensity of lipin-2 protein bands was higher compared to the Pal group (P > 0.01); however, the intensity of lipin-1 protein bands was not significantly different (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Gal, a coumarin compound, significantly increased the expression of lipin-1 and lipin-2 in HepG2 cells treated with Pal. Consequently, this research suggests gal as a novel strategy for regulating fat homeostasis in HepG2 cells.