Objective      To determine the effect of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) on the expression of apolipoprotein F (ApoF) in human hepatoblastoma HepG2 cells and hepatocyte L02 cells.      Methods      After HepG2 cells and L02 cells were treated with FXR agonist chenodesoxycholic acid (CDCA) at 0

25

50 or 100 μmol/L

or with another agonist GW4064 at 0

0.02

0.2

or 2 μmol/L respectively

the mRNA expressions of FXR specific target gene small heterodimer partner (SHP) and ApoF were detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The apolipoprotein F protein level was determined by Western blotting.      Results      After treated with CDCA for 24 h

the mRNA levels of SHP and ApoF  in the treated cells were significantly higher than the untreated cells (P0.05)

so did the protein expression of ApoF (0.884±0.091 vs 0.185±0.030

P0.05). After treated with GW4064 for 24 h

the SHP and ApoF expressions at mRNA level were significantly increased in the treated cells than the untreated cells (P0.05)

so did the protein expression of ApoF (P0.05).     Conclusion      After the treatment of CDCA and GW4064

FXR is activated in HepG2 cells and L02 cells

which upregulates the expression of apoF.