Comparative effect of fenofibrate on hepatic desaturases in wild-type and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α-deficient mice

Abstract
In this study is presented the effect of fenofibrate, a prototypical peroxisome proliferator of the fibrate class, on wild-type and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα)-/-mouse liver FA profile, desaturase mRNA levels, and activities. We established that, following peroxisome proliferator exposure, the hepatic FA profile was greatly modified. These modifications in hepatic FA content required the expression of PPARα, as they are suppressed in transgenic mice deficient in this nuclear receptor. Following peroxisome proliferator exposure, Δ6- and Δ5-desaturase mRNA levels and activities were increased in wild-type but not in PPARα-deficient mouse liver. These results suggest the involvement of PPARα in the control of hepatic Δ6- and Δ5-desaturases in mice. Their roles in minimizing long-chain PUFA depletion in the liver during peroxisome proliferator exposure are discussed.