Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha acts as a mediator of endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced hepatocyte apoptosis in acute liver failure [RESEARCH ARTICLE]

This study aimed to investigate whether PPARα activation inhibits ER stress-induced hepatocyte apoptosis, thereby protecting against ALF. In a murine model of D-galactosamine (D-GalN)- and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALF, Wy-14643 was administered to activate PPARα, and 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA) was administered to attenuate ER stress. PPARα activation ameliorated liver injury, because pre-administration of its specific inducer, Wy-14643, reduced the serum aminotransferase levels and preserved liver architecture compared with that of controls. The protective effect of PPARα activation resulted from the suppression of ER stress-induced hepatocyte apoptosis. Indeed, (1) PPARα activation decreased the expression of glucose-regulated protein 78 (Grp78), Grp94 and C/EBP-homologous protein (CHOP) in vivo; (2) the liver protection by 4-PBA resulted from the induction of PPARα expression, as 4-PBA pre-treatment promoted upregulation of PPARα, and inhibition of PPARα by small interfering RNA (siRNA) treatment reversed liver protection and increased hepatocyte apoptosis; (3) in vitro PPARα activation by Wy-14643 decreased hepatocyte apoptosis induced by severe ER stress, and PPARα inhibition by siRNA treatment decreased the hepatocyte survival induced by mild ER stress. Here, we demonstrate that PPARα activation contributes to liver protection and decreases hepatocyte apoptosis in ALF, particularly through regula...
Source: DMM Disease Models and Mechanisms - Category: Biomedical Science Authors: Tags: RESEARCH ARTICLE Source Type: research