[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.
Feng
Hai-juan
HJ
Department of Gastroenterology, the Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong Jiangsu Province 226000, China.
Zhu
Jing
J
Pan
Liang
L
Lu
Jing-xian
JX
Xiao
Ming-bing
MB
Huang
Hua
H
Ni
Run-zhou
RZ
Lu
Cui-hua
CH
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