Background and Aims

FFA accumulate not only in adipose tissue during obesity. The high content of FFA contributes to the development of NAFLD. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction contribute to the development of T2DM. The adaptive defense mechanism promotes the activation of the antioxidant and cytoprotective response.

The study aimed to identify the role of antioxidant protection associated with liver mitochondrial biogenesis in obese patients.

Methods

Liver biopsies were taken during laparoscopic surgery. The study included 59 obese patients with T2DM (47.6±8.8 years; 47.2±6.1 kg/m²; 23 men and 36 women), 57 obese patients without T2DM (40.7±6.1 years; 41.8±7.1 kg/m²; 26 men and 31 women). The control group consisted of 41 healthy donors. Gene mRNA expression levels were determined by PCR on a CFX96 Touch system (BioRad). MtDNA copies were determined by drop PCR using a QX200 Droplet Digital PCR system (BioRad).

Results

NFE2L2, HSP70 expression decreased in obese patients with T2DM relative to patients without T2DM and healthy donors. In contrast, mtDNA copies and HSF1 expression increased in obese patients with T2DM. SOD1 expression decreased in obese patients with and without T2DM, while MT-ND4 expression increased.

Conclusions

Thus, liver compensatory mechanisms are triggered and reduced the effects of oxidative stress and the development of steatohepatitis in obese patients without T2DM. State assignment in the field of scientific activity [No.FZWN-2020-0010 to Larisa Litvinova]; State of Leading Scientific Schools of the Russian Federation [No.2495.2020.7 to Larisa Litvinova].