Transcriptome analysis revealed FABP5 as a serum marker of metabolic associated fatty liver disease

Abstract

Abstract Objective: The pathogenesis of metabolic (dysfunction) associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is very complex, which has not been fully revealed as so far. In our study, the third-generation ONT (Oxford nanopore technologies) sequencing platform was used to explore the key differentially expressed genes involved in the pathogenesis of MAFLD. Methods: In the present study, we firstly fed male C57/BL6N mice with high fat and high fructose (HFHF) diet for 19 weeks to induce MAFLD model while setting up a normal diet control group (Chow). Secondly, we collected the liver tissues of the two groups and used the ONT technology to perform transcriptome analysis. Finally, we verified the sequencing results by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and measured the serum concentrations of fatty acid-binding protein 5 (FABP5) in mice and patients with MAFLD by Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: By transcriptome analysis, we found that there were 400 differentially expressed genes between the two groups, 12 of which participated in lipid transport and metabolism. Furthermore, we discovered that the serum level of FABP5 decreased significantly in patients with MAFLD, compared with healthy controls. Conclusion: Involved in lipid transport and metabolism, FABP5 could be used as a serum marker of MAFLD.