AP-1 role in NAFLD/NASH amelioration following bariatric surgery

Obesity is an emerging problem in western society, lifestyle changes and diet are the most efficient methods to treat obesity, although they are difficult to maintain. Hence, bariatric surgeries are becoming a popular treatment, offering effective outcomes with relatively low risks.

Current research suggests that the effects of bariatric surgeries are not limited to it restrictive nature but are also promoted by biological mechanism that are unrelated directly to weight loss. In this work, we focus on Vertical Sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) and its beneficial effect on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Our analysis of transcriptomic data from human biopsies revealed differentially regulated that presumably mediate the resolving effect of the surgery on NAFLD. For instance, AP-1 and its downstream gene EGR1. In mice, it was shown that VSG can ameliorate NAFLD independent of weight loss.

To test our findings, we use liver specific adeno-associated viruses to induce over-expression or down-regulation of EGR1 and AP-1 components. By doing so, we mimic to some extent part of the effect of VSG as seen in human transcriptomic data.

In conclusion, I am trying to understand the role of EGR1 and AP-1 in hepatocyte with association to bariatric surgery.