The effect of fenofibrate on expression of genes involved in fatty acids beta-oxidation and associated free-radical processes

Fenofibrate is a synthetic ligand for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors subtype alpha (PPARα); it is used for the treatment of a wide range of metabolic diseases such as hypertriglyceridemia, dyslipidemia, diabetes and various neurodegenerative diseases. We have studied the effect of fenofibrate on β-oxidation of fatty acids and related free-radical processes. The most effective concentration of fenofibrate (0.3%) added to the chow caused a significant decrease of the body weight of mice due lipolysis. The data obtained by quantitative PCR demonstrated increased hepatic gene expression responsible for β-oxidation of fatty acids in peroxisomes and mitochondria. Enhancement of oxidative processes caused a 2-fold increase in the rate of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, as evidenced by determination of the level of lipid peroxidation (LPO) products in the liver. Mitochondrial antioxidant systems are more sensitive to elevated ROS production, as they respond by increased expression of SOD2 and PRDX3 genes, than cytoplasmic and peroxisomal antioxidant systems, where expression of CAT1, SOD1, PRDX5 genes remained unaltered.