The involvement and mechanism of febuxostat in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease cells
Tang, W.; Mu, J.; Chen, Q.I.; Li, X.; Liu, H.
Journal of Biological Regulators and Homeostatic Agents 32(3): 545-551
2018
ISSN/ISBN: 0393-974X PMID: 29921379 Document Number: 696284
It has been proved that hyperuricemia is associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitor, febuxostat, decreases free fatty acids-induced fat accumulation in HFDT-fed mice. Here, it is shown that febuxostat attenuates fat accumulation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HepG2 cells. It was further found that the underlying mechanism is related to the reduction in expression of NLRP3/caspase-1/IL-18/IL-1beta and improved insulin resistance (IR). This finding highlights the possible molecular pathways involving NLRP3 activation for management of ROS and insulin IR. In conclusion, febuxostat may be a promising potential treatment for patients with NAFLD.