Expression changes of DDR2 in liver tissues of mice with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease

SHAN Minghai; HU Aili; GUO Yufeng; CHEN Ping

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1002-266X.2025.12.004

Abstract：Objective To investigate the expression changes of discoid domain receptor 2(DDR2)in the liver tis-sues of mice with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD).Methods Ten 8-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into the normal chow diet group(NC group,n=5)and high-fat diet group(HFD group,n=5).The HFD group was fed a high-fat diet,while the NC group received a standard diet for 16 weeks.After 12-hour fasting,we weighed all mice and collected blood samples through orbital venipuncture to detect serum liver function indicators[ala-nine aminotransferase(ALT)and aspartate aminotransferase(AST)]and lipid profiles[total cholesterol(TC)and triglyc-erides(TG)].Liver weight and the liver index were recorded.Enzymatic assays measured hepatic TG and free fatty acids(FFA).Hepatic histopathology was examined using HE staining and Oil Red O staining.DDR2 mRNA and protein levels in the liver tissues were detected by qPCR and Western blotting.Results Compared with the NC group,the HFD group exhibited significantly higher body weight after 16 weeks(P<0.05).Serum ALT,AST,TC,and TG levels were higher in the HFD group than in the NC group(all P<0.05).The liver weight,liver index,and content of liver TG and FFA in the HFD group were all higher than those in the NC group(all P<0.01).Compared with the NC group,the HFD group exhibit-ed marked hepatic steatosis.Both DDR2 mRNA and protein expression levels in the liver tissues were higher in the HFD group than in the NC group(both P<0.01).Conclusion DDR2 mRNA and protein expression are up-regulated in the liver tissues of MAFLD mice,suggesting that DDR2 may play a significant role in the development and progression of MAFLD.