Heme oxygenase‐1 prevents non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis through modulating mitochondrial quality control. (18th January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Dongdong; Yuan, Xiwei; Dong, Shiming; AL‐Dhamin, Zaid; Du, Jinghua; Fu, Na; Nan, Yuemin
• Is Part Of: Acta physiologica. Volume 237:Number 3(2023)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2023-01-18
• Subjects: heme oxygenase‐1 -- mitochondrial function -- nonalcoholic steatohepatitis -- oxidative stress; Physiology -- Periodicals; Physiology -- Research -- Periodicals; 612
• DOI: 10.1111/apha.13918
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1748-1708

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a severe form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and lacks effective treatment options. Heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) is a critical defense against oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver injury. This study aims to investigate the protective role and underlying mechanisms of HO‐1 in NASH pathogenesis. Methods: The hepatocyte‐specific HO‐1 knockout (HO‐1 HEPKO ) mice on a C57BL/6J background (HO‐1 fl/fl /Alb‐Cre) were generated and fed a high‐fat/western‐style diet (HFD) or methionine‐choline‐deficient diet (MCD). Changes in mitochondrial ultrastructure were observed by transmission electron microscopy and confocal microscopy. A mitochondrial PCR array was used to identify the crucial genes associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Results: Hepatocyte‐specific HO‐1 HEPKO mice developed steatohepatitis with severe steatosis, ballooning, and necroinflammation. Dysregulated hepatic expression of mitochondria‐related proteins, including DRP1, Tomm20, MFN1 and MFN2 were detected in NASH animals. Ultrastructural mitochondrial damage was observed in HO‐1 HEPKO mice. Mitochondrial dysfunction was recapitulated in HO‐1‐knockdown cells in vitro, as evidenced by decreased membrane potential, reduced ATP content, and mtDNA damage. Conversely, HO‐1 overexpression restored these changes in vitro. Mechanistically, HO‐1 deficiency reduced the inhibitory effect on Tomm20, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction, and thereby causing steatohepatitis. Conclusions: HO‐1 attenuates diet‐induced steatohepatitis by preventing mitochondrial dysfunction, indicating that HO‐1 may constitute a potential therapeutic target for NASH.