Identification of cytochrome CYP2E1 as critical mediator of synergistic effects of alcohol and cellular lipid accumulation in hepatocytes in vitro

Clinical studies propose a causative link between the consumption of alcohol and the development and progression of liver disease in obese individuals. However, it is incompletely understood how alcohol and obesity interact and whether the combined effects are additive or synergistic. The aim of this study was to establish an in vitro model for joint effects of alcohol and steatosis in hepatocytes in vitro. Methods and Results: Lipid accumulation in primary human hepatocytes (PHH) was induced by incubation with fatty acids. Subsequently, steatotic and control hepatocytes were incubated with up to 50 mM alcohol.…