Downregulation of hepatic lipopolysaccharide binding protein improves lipogenesis-induced liver lipid accumulation.

Circulating lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) is increased in individuals with liver steatosis. We aimed to evaluate the possible impact of liver LBP downregulation using lipid nanoparticle-containing chemically modified LBP small interfering RNA (siRNA) (LNP- UNA-siRNA) on the development of fatty liver. Weekly LNP- UNA-siRNA was administered to mice fed a standard chow diet, a high-fat and high-sucrose diet, and a methionine- and choline-deficient diet (MCD). In mice fed a high-fat and high-sucrose diet, which displayed induced liver lipogenesis, LBP downregulation led to reduced liver lipid accumulation, lipogenesis (mainly stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase 1 [Scd1]) and lipid peroxidation-associated oxidative stress markers. LNP- UNA-siRNA also resulted in significantly decreased blood glucose levels during an insulin tolerance test. In mice fed a standard chow diet or an MCD, in which liver lipogenesis was not induced or was inhibited (especially mRNA), liver LBP downregulation did not impact on liver steatosis. The link between hepatocyte and lipogenesis was further confirmed in palmitate-treated Hepa1-6 cells, in primary human hepatocytes, and in subjects with morbid obesity. Altogether, these data indicate that siRNA against liver mRNA constitutes a potential target therapy for obesity-associated fatty liver through the modulation of hepatic Scd1.