Anti-angiogenic pigment epithelium-derived factor regulates hepatocyte triglyceride content through adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL)

Background/Aims Anti-angiogenic pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) is a 50 kDa secreted glycoprotein that is highly expressed in hepatocytes. Adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), a novel lipase critical for triglyceride metabolism, is a receptor for PEDF. We postulated that hepatocyte triglyceride metabolism was dependent on interactions between PEDF and ATGL, and loss of PEDF would impair mobilization of triglycerides in the liver. Methods Immunoprecipitation studies were performed in PEDF null and control hepatocytes with recombinant PEDF (rPEDF) as bait. Immunofluorescent microscopy was used to localize ATGL. Triglyceride content was analyzed in hepatocytes and in whole liver with and without rPEDF. ATGL was blocked using an inhibitor, (R)-bromoenol lactone. Results PEDF co-immunoprecipitated with ATGL in hepatic and HCC lysates. All PEDF deficient livers demonstrated steatosis. Triglyceride content was significantly increased in PEDF null livers compared to wildtype (p < 0.05) and in isolated hepatocytes (p < 0.01). Treatment of PEDF null hepatocytes with rPEDF decreased TG content (p < 0.05) and this activity was dependent on ATGL. Conclusions Our results identify a novel role for PEDF in hepatic triglyceride homeostasis through binding to ATGL and demonstrate that rPEDF and ATGL localize to adiposomes in hepatocytes. Dysregulation of this pathway may be one mechanism underlying fatty liver disease.