Fatty acid and protein profiling in the liver of Tff2 and Tff3 deficient mice

Recent investigation has shown that TFF2 deficient mice are protected from high fat diet-induced obesity, accumulating less weight and fat depots than WT animals, while keeping a normal lean mass. In addition to, TFF3 gene was identified as one of the genes involved in liver steatosis. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of fatty acids in the liver of Tff2 and Tff3 knock-out mice, hepatic proteomic profile as well as the serum glucose and lipid content. TFF2 knock-out, TFF3 knock-out and wild type mice were used. Mice were sacrificed at the age of 12 weeks and the liver tissues are collected for regular histological analysis (HE, PAS). Total lipids were extracted from tissue homogenates and analyzed by gas chromatography. Serum lipids and glucose were analyzed in routine laboratory using Architect c8000. Proteome profiles of different groups were analyzed by 2D-PAGE and differentially displayed proteins were identified by MALDI TOF/TOF MS. TFF2 and TFF3 deficient mice compared to WT mice have significantly higher amount of PUFAs. Total serum levels of the cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL or LDL cholesterol did not differ among the groups. Microscopic analysis of the liver sections revealed normal tissue architecture (HE) and glycogen reserves (PAS). Proteomic analysis revealed several proteins involved in lipid, carbohydrate, citric acid cycle and protein metabolism. TFF2 and TFF3 deficient mice have altered caloric metabolism. Our results show that TFF2&TFF3 are involved in energy metabolism and as such they could be a potential target to develop therapeutic strategies against metabolic disorders.