ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effects of decreased leptin expression on liver fibrosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The small interfering RNA, targeting leptin gene, was designed according to the secondary structure of leptin gene. The recombinant plasmids were encapsulated with lipofectamine and then injected into carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced rat liver fibrosis models. Leptin and I, III collage were detected by immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mRNA and protein levels of leptin in the fibrotic liver transfected with leptin shRNA were significantly decreased compared with those in controls (P less than 0.01). The depositions of type I and type III collagens were also decreased (P less than 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Decreased leptin expression prevents liver fibrosis.</p>