Objective: To investigate the effect of murine gamma herpesvirus 68 (γHV68) infection on lipid accumulation in livers of C57BL/6J mice and to explore potential mechanisms. Methods: C57BL/6J mice fed a high fat diet were randomly assigned to receive either γHV68 or PBS treatment. Serum was analyzed for inflammatory cytokines. Liver was taken for histology and lipid analysis. Quantitative RT-PCR was used to measure expression of hepatic tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα)

sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 (SREBP1)

fatty acid synthase (FAS)

acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC). Results: γHV68 infection promoted lipid accumulation in livers of C57BL/6J mice in association with elevated serum and hepatic inflammatory cytokines levels. The expression of SREBP1

FAS and ACC in livers of C57BL/6J mice were increased in the γHV68-infected mice. Conclusion: γHV68 infection promotes liver lipid accumulation in C57BL/6J mice via increasing triglyceride synthesis.