Gene Expression and Therapy

PG. Cyp7a1 hepatic expression was induced in and .This was associated to a reduced ileal Fgf15 gene expression in both groups (relative mRNA levels: 0.38±0.1 in PG and 0.08±001 in CTM vs. 1.102±0.23 in CG, p<0.05).Of note, CTM ileal gene expression of Fgf15 was significantly lower than PG (p<0.05).Conclusions: We confirmed the occurrence of down-regulation of export and import biliary genes and an upregulation of hepatic Cyp7a1 gene expression during pregnancy in mice.Ileal down-regulation of FGF15 gene expression is likely contributory to the observed pregnancy-associated upregulation of Cyp7a1 gene expression in the liver.In a setting of decreased canalicular export, increased expression of Cyp7a1 may raise bile salt levels inside the hepatocyte and contribute to cholestasis during pregnancy.