Objective To observe the impact of electroacupuncture(EA)on liver lipid metabolism and expression of hepatic sirtuin 1(Sirt1)and peroxisome proliferator activated receptorγ(PPARγ)of abdominal obese rats induced by high-fat diet.Methods Eighteen male SD rats were divided into blank control

model and EA groups(n=6 per group).The abdominal obesity model was established by feeding the rats with high-fat diet for 12 weeks.EA(2 Hz/15 Hz

1.5 mA)was applied to bilateral"Daimai"(GB26)for 20 min every time

once every other day for 8 weeks.Rats of the model group were also restrained for 20 min.The body mass and abdominal circumference were measured every week

and the contents of serum cholesterol(TC)

triglyceride(TG)

alanine transaminase(ALT)

aspartate aminotransferase(AST)were detected by using an automated biochemical analyzer.Histopathological changes of the liver tissues were observed under microscope after oil red "O"staining.The expression of hepatic Sirt1 and PPARγ mRNAs and proteins were detected using quantitative real time PCR and Western blot

separately.Results After modeling

the body weight and abdominal circumference

and serum TC

TG

ALT and AST contents

and expression of hepatic PPARγ mRNA and protein were significantly increased(P<0.001

P<0.01

P<0.05)

and the expression levels of hepatic Sirt1 mRNA and protein obviously down-regulated(P <0.05

P <0.01)in the model group.Following EA intervention

the increased body weight and abdominal circumference

and serum TC

TG

ALT and AST contents

and hepatic PPARγ mRNA and protein expression were remarkably suppressed(P<0.05

P<0.01)

and the decreased hepatic Sirt1 mRNA and protein were remarkably up-regulated(P<0.001

P<0.05).The lipid droplets in hepatocytes were reduced in the EA group relevant to the model group.Conclusion EA intervention can significantly improve the liver lipid metabolism of abdominal obese rats

which is possibly related with its effect in up-regulating the expression of hepatic Sirt1 mRNA and protein

and in down-regulating the expression of hepatic PPARγ mRNA and protein.