Glycochenodeoxycholic Acid Induces Transcription of CFOS/JUNB in a Human Hepatoma Cell Line

Background & Aims: Glycochenodeoxycholic acid (GCDCA) is the major hydrophobic bile acid in human cholestasis and induces apoptosis in hepatocytes at low micromolar concentrations. The transcription factor activator protein 1 (AP–1) is a key regulator of cell cyle and modulates gene transcription associated with apoptosis. The effect of GCDCA on AP–1 expression in hepatocytes is unknown. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate whether GCDCA affects transcription of AP–1 proteins cFos and JunB in hepatocytes. Methods: HepG2-Ntcp cells were stimulated with GCDCA (75µmol/L) for 4h or left untreated. Caspase…