Abstract:
Objective To investigate expression changes and regulatory roles of adhesion G protein-coupled receptor F1 (ADGRF1/GPR110) in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)-related hepatic fibrosis.
Methods Human MASH liver tissues were collected for GPR110 detection via real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry. Eight-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups: control+AAV-GFP group, control+AAV-GPR110 group, MASH+AAV-GFP group, and MASH+AAV-GPR110 group. MASH was induced by high-fat with high-sucrose diet and low-dose CCl4 intraperitoneal injections, with AAV-GPR110/AAV-GFP delivered via tail vein. Liver tissues were harvested at designated intervals (4 w, 8 w, and 12 w). Western blotting measured GPR110 expression; hematoxylin-eosin and oil red O staining assessed histology and lipid content; F4/80 and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) immunofluorescence staining evaluated inflammation and fibrosis; qRT-PCR quantified hepatic expression of lipid metabolism, inflammatory, and fibrotic genes.
Results GPR110 expression was significantly reduced in livers of MASH patients compared with controls (P<0.05). MASH+AAV-GPR110 mice exhibited lower weight, liver index, and serum lipids compared with MASH+AAV-GFP (P<0.05). Lipid synthesis-related gene (SCD-1), lipid uptake-related gene (CD36), gluconeogenesis-related genes (PEPCK and G-6-Pase), and inflammation-related genes (TNF-α, NF-κB, and iNOS) in liver were downregulated in MASH+AAV-GPR110 (P<0.05). Hepatic F4/80+ and α-SMA+ areas decreased in MASH+AAV-GPR110 (P<0.05).
Conclusion GPR110 overexpression ameliorates hepatic lipid accumulation, reduces inflammation, and delays fibrosis in MASH.