ObjectiveTo characterize the expression of lipid metabolism-related genes in the fatty liver of obese ob/ob mice. MethodsFour 18-weeks old male ob/ob and 4 control mice were sacrificed after 16 h fasting. Their body mass, ratio of liver wet mass to body mass and liver triglyceride contents were examined. H-E staining and Oil red O staining were performed to observe the histological changes and lipid deposition of the liver. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR was used to detect mRNA expression of lipid metabolism-related genes in the liver. ResultsThe body mass, ratio of liver wet mass to body mass and liver triglyceride contents were significantly higher in ob/ob mice than those in control mice (P<0.05). H-E staining and Oil red O staining showed severe hepatic steatosis in the ob/ob mice. The mRNA levels of fatty acid translocase (CD36), fatty acid binding protein 1 (FABP1), fatty acid synthase (FASN), acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1(ACC 1), elongation of very long chain fatty acids family member 6 (ELOVL6) and stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) were significantly higher in ob/ob mice than those in control mice (P<0.05); and there were no significant differences in the mRNA levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α(PPARα), palmitoyl-CoA oxidase (ACOX1), apoprotein B (ApoB) or microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) between the two groups (P>0.05).ConclusionThe genes closely related to fatty acid uptake and de novo fatty acid synthesis are up-regulated in ob/ob liver, and those related to fatty acid oxidation and lipid transportation and VLDL secretion are not greatly affected at mRNA level.