Study on metabolic disorders in rat liver induced by different times after scalds

Previous studies have confirmed that burns and scalds can lead to metabolic disorders in the liver. However, the effects of severe burns at various time points on liver lipid metabolism disorders, as well as the relationship between these disorders and liver function, metabolism, and infection, have not yet been investigated.This study established a SD rat scald model, macroscopic observation of weight changes, histological staining, Western blot detection of fat browning and metabolic indicators, reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis of the expression of liver new fat generation genes, determination of liver function and inflammatory indicators.The results show that steam scalding of 30 % of the back skin surface area of rats for 30, 20, and 10 s can result in severe skin scalds. Liver Oil Red O staining revealed fat deposition in the scald group, which became more pronounced with longer scald durations. The fat deposition was most evident on the fifth day post-scald and gradually returned to normal over time. This phenomenon is primarily attributed to elevated liver function indicators, including TBIL, ALT, and AST, in the scald group compared to the control group. Additionally, there was activation of peripheral blood inflammatory cells (WBC, MON, NEU,TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10) and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the liver, along with liver cell edema. The honeycomb-like appearance of peripheral epididymal fat and the significant increase in the expression of lipolytic proteins (UCP1, ATGL, HSL, and P-HSL) were also observed, alongside abnormal expression of key genes (CES and SCD1) associated with liver neovascularization. The changes are caused by the combined effects of these factors. •Steam lasting for 30, 20, or 10 s can cause severe scalds to the skin on the back.•Severe scalds can lead to liver fat metabolism disorders.•Liver fat metabolism disorders are most severe on the fifth day following scalds.•Liver fat metabolism is influenced by a combination of multiple factors.