Effect of mfn2 on mitochondrial function in steatosis hepatocytes

AIM: To investigate the effect of mfn2 on mitochondrial function in steatosis hepatocytes. METHODS: Plasmid pEGFP-mfn2 was transfected into hepatocyte strain L02 by Lipofectamine 2000 in vitro, then the steatosis model of hepatocytes was establish by oleic acid induction. RT-PCR was used to evaluate mRNA expression and Western blotting was use to detect the protein expression. ATP level was determined by firefly luciferase bioluminescent. ROS production was measured by fluorescence probe DCFH-DA. Chondrosome transmembrane potential of L02 was observed by labeling of JC-1 and FCM. RESULTS: The stable expression of ectogenesis mitofusin2 in L02 cells was confirmed by RT-PCR and Western blotting. In the model of oleic acids induced lipid formation, Mfn2 obviously inhibited the descent of chondrosome transmembrane potential and ATP level, and increased ROS production in L02 cells. CONCLUSION: Up-regulated expression of mfn2 attenuates mitochondria dysfunction caused by oleic acids induced lipid formation.