Liraglutide Ameliorates Lipotoxicity-Induced Oxidative Stress by Activating the NRF2 Pathway in HepG2 Cells

Horm Metab Res DOI: 10.1055/a-1157-0166Although glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue has been reported to suppress oxidative stress in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), an effective therapeutic agent for NAFLD is currently unavailable. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the protective effects of the GLP-1 analogue liraglutide against lipotoxicity-induced oxidative stress in HepG2 cells and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. HepG2 cells were cultured for 48 hours and treated with a free fatty acid (FFA) mixture: FFA mixture and liraglutide or FFA mixture, liraglutide, and exendin (9–39). Lipid accumulation was examined by oil red O staining. Oxidative stress was assessed by measuring the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species using 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, whereas antioxidant capacity was assessed by measuring the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase. Expression of the nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (NRF2) gene and the genes encoding antioxidant enzymes was analyzed using quantitative RT-PCR. Cellular and nuclear NRF2 expression levels were assessed using immunofluorescence cell staining and western blotting. Liraglutide treatment reduced high fat-induced lipid formation and the levels ...
Source: Hormone and Metabolic Research - Category: Endocrinology Authors: Tags: Endocrine Research Source Type: research