Increased expression of FABP1 and cFLIPL by free fatty acid treatment is associated with reduced death-receptor mediated apoptosis in human primary hepatocytes

Aims: The non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with excessive accumulation of lipid-droplets in hepatocytes and causes increased death-receptor expression, altered apoptosis-induction, liver damage and fibrosis. Investigation of fatty acid transport protein expression and lipid accumulation in steatotic hepatocytes may elucidate the correlation of FFA transport mechanisms, death-receptor expression and apoptosis. Methods: Human primary hepatocytes were treated with 0.5mM and 1mM free fatty acids (FFA; oleate: palmitate=2: 1) for 24–96h. Expression of the FFA transport proteins FABP-1, FATP-5,…