Fig 2. Activation of AMPK downregulates high glucose-induced Fet-A expression in HepG2 cells.

[A] HepG2 cells were incubated in a media containing either mannitol, low glucose or high glucose for 12 hours, and cell lysates/media were subjected to immunoblotting for Fet-A and pFet-A (n = 3). [B] HepG2 cells were incubated with either low- or high-glucose in the absence or presence of AICAR for 12 h and cell lysates were analyzed by Western blotting. The blots were analyzed with antibodies against Fet-A (n = 4). [C] HepG2 cells were incubated with increasing concentrations (0.5, 1, 2 mM) of AICAR for 12 h. Cell lysate or media were analyzed by Western blotting for indicated proteins (n = 3) and [D] level of Fet-A and pFet-A in media, as a ratio of GAPDH were expressed. [E] HepG2 cells were incubated in low or high glucose in the absence or presence of AICAR/metformin for 12 hours, and media was used to detect Fet-A by ELISA technique (n = 4). [F] Real-time gene expression analysis was carried out for Fet-A after AICAR and metformin treatment (n = 4). [G] HepG2 cells were incubated with AICAR/metformin in the presence or absence of Compound C, an AMPK inhibitor. Cell lysates were immunoblotted for pAMPK, Fet-A as well as p-Fet-A and [H] Fet-A levels, as a ratio to GAPDH are depicted (n = 4). Data are shown as Means ± SEM. P values were determined by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s multiple comparison tests (C-F). Data are representative of at least three independent experiments performed in replicates. * Indicates p < 0.05.