[Effects of decreased leptin expression on liver fibrosis].
OBJECTIVE
To study the effects of decreased leptin expression on liver fibrosis.


METHODS
The small interfering RNA, targeting leptin gene, was designed according to the secondary structure of leptin gene. The recombinant plasmids were encapsulated with lipofectamine and then injected into carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced rat liver fibrosis models. Leptin and I, III collage were detected by immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).


RESULTS
The mRNA and protein levels of leptin in the fibrotic liver transfected with leptin shRNA were significantly decreased compared with those in controls (P less than 0.01). The depositions of type I and type III collagens were also decreased (P less than 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Decreased leptin expression prevents liver fibrosis.
Department of Gastroenterology, the Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong Jiangsu Province 226000, China.
Hai-juan
HJ
Feng
Jing
J
Zhu
Liang
L
Pan
Jing-xian
JX
Lu
Ming-bing
MB
Xiao
Hua
H
Huang
Run-zhou
RZ
Ni
Cui-hua
CH
Lu
D000818:Animals; D020738:Leptin / Q000235:genetics*; D008106:Liver Cirrhosis, Experimental / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley
D020738:Leptin; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering