Hepatic hypolipidemia in phospholipase A2 VIA-null mice mediates apoptosis, chronic persistent hepatitis, and sensitivity for autoimmune hepatitis

Introduction: Calcium-independent phospholipaseA2 VIA (iPLA2β), which is one of the patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing genes, catalyzes the hydrolysis of phospholipids providing lysophospholipids which have been identified as 'find me' signals for the removal of apoptotic cells by phagocytes. The deletion of iPLA2β may cause accumulation of apoptotic hepatocytes. iPLA2β transcription is known to be regulated by SREBP1c which is a transcription factor for de novo lipogenesis. It is thus postulated that alterations of hepatic lipids by iPLA2β deficiency may lead to apoptosis in vivo. Methods: Whole body…