Association of UCP2 -866G>A Polymorphism With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Patients From North-West of Iran

The Role of Solute Carrier Family Transporters in Hepatic Steatosis and Hepatic Fibrosis

Solute carrier (SLC) family transporters are crucial transmembrane proteins responsible for transporting various molecules, including amino acids, electrolytes, fatty acids, and nucleotides. To date, more than fifty SLC transporter subfamilies have been identified, many of which are linked to the progression of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis. These conditions are often caused by factors such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, which are major contributors to the global liver disease burden. The activity of SLC members regulates the transport of substrates across biological membranes, playing key roles in lipid synthesis and metabolism, mitochondrial function, and ferroptosis. These processes, in turn, influence the function of hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells, and macrophages, thereby contributing to the development of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis. Additionally, some SLC transporters are involved in drug transport, acting as critical regulators of drug-induced hepatic steatosis. Beyond substrate transport, certain SLC members also exhibit additional functions. Given the pivotal role of the SLC family in hepatic steatosis and fibrosis, this review aimed to summarize the molecular mechanisms through which SLC transporters influence these conditions.

Prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver and its related factors in Iran: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a systemic disorder with a complex multifactorial and heterogeneous pathogenesis and has become the most common cause of chronic liver disease in many countries around the world. Numerous studies in Iran have presented different results on the prevalence and risk factors of NAFLD, in this study, which has been done in a systematic review and meta-analysis, provides a good estimate of the prevalence and risk factors of the disease in Iran. Following the peer review of electronic search strategies (PRESS and the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses [PRISMA] statement, we searched Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Persian scientific searcher (Elmnet) from inception to September 19, 2022. In the present study, 71 articles were reviewed for qualitative and meta-analysis. The overall mean prevalence of NAFLD in children studies was 22.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 10.9% to 33.9%). The prevalence was notably higher in adult studies 40.5% (95% CI: 35.1% to 46%). In 24 studies, the association between NAFLD and sex was reported, 10 of which showed significant relationships. Out of 46 studies observed that NAFLD prevalence increased significantly with body mass index (BMI). Eight out of 14 studies reported significant associations between FBS and NAFLD in children's studies. Though Iran has a high NAFLD prevalence compared to most areas, and due to the unfavorable situation of risk factors contributing to the NAFLD, it is necessary to take the necessary interventions to control these risk factors and prevent NAFLD.

Association of uncoupling protein (Ucp) gene polymorphisms with cardiometabolic diseases

The hereditary aspect of obesity is a major focus of modern medical genetics. The genetic background is known to determine a higher-than-average prevalence of obesity in certain regions, like Oceania. There is evidence that dysfunction of brown adipose tissue (BAT) may be a risk factor for obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). A significant number of studies in the field focus on the UCP family. The Ucp genes code for electron transport carriers. UCP1 (thermogenin) is the most abundant protein of the UCP superfamily and is expressed in BAT, contributing to its capability of generating heat. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of Ucp1-Ucp3 were recently associated with risk of cardiometabolic diseases. This review covers the main Ucp SNPs A-3826G, A-1766G, A-112C, Met229Leu, Ala64Thr (Ucp1), Ala55Val, G-866A (Ucp2), and C-55 T (Ucp3), which may be associated with the development of obesity, disturbance in lipid metabolism, T2D, and cardiovascular diseases.

MiR-30e-UCP2 pathway regulates alcoholic hepatitis progress by influencing ATP and hydrogen peroxide expression

To investigate the expression of miR-30e-UCP2 pathway in different stages of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and its capacity and mechanism in regulating alcoholic hepatitis (AH) progress. C57BL/6 mice were fed with Lieber-DeCaril (LD) diet for 4 and 12 weeks to establish models of alcoholic fat infiltration (AFI) and AH. Based on AFI feeding, the alcoholic hepatic fibrosis (AHF) was set up with additional 4 weeks 5% carbon tetrachloride intra-abdominal injection twice per week. Serum lipid and inflammation related makers were detected while H-E staining for hepatic steatosis/ inflammation and Sirius staining for hepatic fibrosis were conducted. The apoptosis degree was tested by TUNEL plot while the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and ATP levels were tested by colorimetric method. MiR-30e and UCP2 over-expression were carried out by synthesizing miR-30e mimic and inserting UCP2 sequence into pCDNA3.1 plasmid. Different stages of ALD were established as indicated by increased serum TG, Tch, ALT, AST, apoptosis degree and hyaluronic acid levels as well as the typical lipid deposition, inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrosis formation in AFI, AH and AHF stages. A stepwise decreased miR-30e and increased UCP2 level was identified from AFI to AHF (p<0.05). MiR-30e over-expression significantly decreased UCP2 level. After successful miR-30e over-expression in AH, its inflammation level was decreased, followed by significantly increased ATP and H2O2 levels. Therefore, MiR-30e-UCP2 pathway participates in different stages of ALD and its therapeutic effect on AH may be through influencing oxidative stress and energy metabolism.