Abstract: Objective To explore the role of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Tat protein in lipid metabolism in human hepatocytes. Methods Primers were designed and synthesized based on the cDNA base sequence of the transcription factor sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (Serbp1c) and carbohydrate-responsive element binding protein (ChREBP) as well as their target genes (Dgat, Lpk, Fasnand Scd-1), which regulate the regeneration of lipids in human liver. The human hepatocyte cell line LO2 was stimulated with Tat proteins at different time points. Total RNA was extracted and cDNA was generated by reverse transcription. Quantitative PCR (q-PCR) was used to detect the transcription levels of Srebp1c and ChREBP and their downstream genes Dgat, Lpk, Fasn and Scd-1 mRNA in human hepatocytes. Results With the stimulation of HIV-1 Tat protein, the expression levels of Srebp1c and ChREBP and their downstream genes Dgat, Lpk, Fasn and Scd-1 mRNA in human hepatocytes increased significantly, and reached the peak after 6 h. Conclusion HIV-1 Tat protein promotes the regeneration of lipids in human hepatocytes, and regulates the lipid metabolism of hepatocytes.