Figure 2

Lipid metabolism disorder induced by BaP. A. Hierarchical clustering of cholesterol biosynthesis genes differentially transcribed compared to control. The color scale indicates transcription ratios relative to the control. Gene names or annotations are indicated. 7-DHCR, 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase; FDF1, farnesyl-diphosphate farnesyltransferase 1; 24-DHCR, 24-dehydrocholesterol reductase; CYP51A1, cytochrome P450-51A1. Stars indicate significant transcription variations (>1.5-fold in either direction and adjusted p < 0.05). B. Hierarchical clustering of genes involved in cholesterol biosynthesis regulation and depletion from the blood differentially transcribed compared to control. The color scale indicates transcription ratios relative to the control. Gene names or annotations are indicated. SREBP-TF2, sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 2; LDLR, low density lipoprotein receptor, HMGCoAR, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase. Stars indicate significant transcription variations (>1.5-fold in either direction and adjusted p < 0.05). C. Kinetics of cholesterol concentration in bile. Data represent mean ± SE values for 3 replicates. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann–Whitney test, asterisks indicate a significant difference from the control: *, p < 0.05. D. Oil red staining for total lipid content measures in the livers of control and BaP-exposed animals. Lipid content was indicated by red staining. Bars = 25 μm. E. Percentage of oil red area in the livers of control and BaP-exposed animals. Data are mean ± SE values for 24 sections replicates. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann–Whitney test (n = 3), and asterisks indicate a significant difference from the control: *, p < 0.05.