scholarly journals The Importance of the Fatty Acid Transporter L-Carnitine in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 2178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dragana Savic ◽  
Leanne Hodson ◽  
Stefan Neubauer ◽  
Michael Pavlides
Keyword(s):  
Liver Disease ◽  
Fatty Liver ◽  
Fatty Liver Disease ◽  
Liver Enzymes ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Carnitine Deficiency ◽  
Liver Fat ◽  
Alcoholic Fatty Liver ◽  
Liver Health ◽  
Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

L-carnitine transports fatty acids into the mitochondria for oxidation and also buffers excess acetyl-CoA away from the mitochondria. Thus, L-carnitine may play a key role in maintaining liver function, by its effect on lipid metabolism. The importance of L-carnitine in liver health is supported by the observation that patients with primary carnitine deficiency (PCD) can present with fatty liver disease, which could be due to low levels of intrahepatic and serum levels of L-carnitine. Furthermore, studies suggest that supplementation with L-carnitine may reduce liver fat and the liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) in patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). L-carnitine has also been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and elevate pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) flux. Studies that show reduced intrahepatic fat and reduced liver enzymes after L-carnitine supplementation suggest that L-carnitine might be a promising supplement to improve or delay the progression of NAFLD.

scholarly journals MON-597 Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Determined by MRI and Its Association with Metabolic Variables in Non-Diabetic Subjects

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Debora Gonçalves Da Silva ◽  
Josue Da Silva Brito ◽  
Beatriz Francisco Barbosa Rodrigues ◽  
Daniele Martins Afonso ◽  
Angelica Amorim Amato
Keyword(s):  
Liver Disease ◽  
Fatty Liver ◽  
Hepatic Steatosis ◽  
Fatty Liver Disease ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Liver Fat ◽  
Alcoholic Fatty Liver ◽  
Biochemical Variables ◽  
Metabolic Variables ◽  
Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Abstract Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease determined by MRI and its association with metabolic variables in non-diabetic subjects Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is defined as the presence of hepatic steatosis (liver fat accumulation higher than 5% of liver weight) in the absence of other causes. Liver biopsy is recognized as a gold standard for diagnosis, but it is limited by the risks of serious complications. Besides that, the increasing prevalence of NASH led to improved imaging methods, such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), that enable quantitative assessment of steatosis by quantifying the hepatic fat fraction (HFF), even with steatosis levels as low as 5.56%. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the metabolic profile of patients without T2DM according to hepatic steatosis measured by MRI. Methods: This was cross-sectional study conducted in an Endocrinology Unity in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The study complied with the WMA Declaration of Helsinki and was approved by the Ethical Committee on Human Subject Research from the Faculty Patos de Minas. We recruited non-diabetic subjects aged above 20 years with hepatic steatosis detected by liver sonography. Exclusion criteria were alcohol consumption of more than 20 grams/day for female and 30 grams/day for male, ferritin serum levels above 1000 mg/dL, positive serology for hepatitis B or C and intake of medications known to produce hepatic steatosis. Included subjects underwent HFF quantification by MRI, and the degree of liver fatty infiltration was estimated by using chemical shift imaging. The following biochemical variables were assessed: fasting glucose and HbA1c, HOMA-IR, lipids, AST, ALT and GGT. Analysis: we grouped individuals according to the quartile of HFF and compared clinical and biochemical variables between the groups. Results: A total of 30 subjects (18 male and 12 females) were included. All subjects were overweight (10% overweight and 90% obese); 7 (23.3%) had 3 criteria and 16 (53.3%) had two criteria for MS. The only variable assessed herein that was different between males and females was HDL-c (40.5 vs 50.5 mg/dL, respectively, p=0.0255). ALT serum levels were significantly higher in subjects in the fourth quartile of HFF, when compared to those in the third quartile (76 vs 47 UI/L, respectively, p=0.037). The other clinical of biochemical variables assessed did not differ between the quartiles of HFF. Conclusion: our preliminary findings indicate that the biochemical variables related to metabolic homeostasis are poor predictors of the degree of liver fat in overweight non-diabetic subjects. Although screening for NAFLD is still a matter of debate, our results suggest that future discussions about this should take into account that excess body weight per se, independently from biochemical abnormalities, should be considered in the recommendations for screening non-diabetic subjects.

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Overweight Children and its Relationship with Retinol Serum Levels

2008 ◽  
Vol 78 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suano de Souza ◽  
Silverio Amancio ◽  
Saccardo Sarni ◽  
Sacchi Pitta ◽  
Fernandes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Liver Disease ◽  
Fatty Liver ◽  
Lipid Profile ◽  
Fatty Liver Disease ◽  
Thiobarbituric Acid ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Alcoholic Fatty Liver ◽  
Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Objectives: To evaluate the frequency of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, the retinol serum levels, lipid profile, and insulin resistance in overweight/obese children. To relate these biochemical variables with the risk of this disease in the population studied. Methods: The study was cross-sectional and prospective, with 46 overweight/obese school children (28 female, 18 male; mean age 8.6 years). The control group consisted of 45 children, paired by age and gender. Hepatic steatosis, evaluated by ultrasound, was classified as normal, mild, moderate, or severe. Also evaluated were serum retinol levels; thiobarbituric acid reactive substances; lipid profile; and fasting glucose and serum insulin levels, used for the calculation of the Homeostasis Model Assessment. Results: Hepatic ultrasound alterations were found in 56.5% and 48,9% of the overweight/obese and control group children, respectively. Presence of obesity was associated with high levels of triglycerides (OR = 4.6; P = 0.002). In the studied children, the risk of steatosis was related to a trend to a higher percentage of retinol inadequacy (OR = 2.8; p = 0.051); there was no association with thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, lipid profile, or insulin resistance. Conclusions: The high frequency of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in both groups, evaluated by hepatic ultrasound, in low-socioeconomic level children, independent of nutritional condition and without significant association with insulin resistance, emphasizes that especially in developing countries, other risk factors such as micronutrient deficiencies (e.g. vitamin A) are involved.

scholarly journals Relationship between Muscle Mass and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 122
Author(s):  
Jun-Hyuk Lee ◽  
Hye-Sun Lee ◽  
Byoung-Kwon Lee ◽  
Yu-Jin Kwon ◽  
Ji-Won Lee
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Liver Disease ◽  
Fatty Liver ◽  
Muscle Mass ◽  
Fatty Liver Disease ◽  
Skeletal Muscle Mass ◽  
Liver Fat ◽  
Alcoholic Fatty Liver ◽  
Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Although sarcopenia is known to be a risk factor for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), whether NAFLD is a risk factor for the development of sarcopenia is not clear. We investigated relationships between NAFLD and low skeletal muscle mass index (LSMI) using three different datasets. Participants were classified into LSMI and normal groups. LSMI was defined as a body mass index (BMI)-adjusted appendicular skeletal muscle mass <0.789 in men and <0.512 in women or as the sex-specific lowest quintile of BMI-adjusted total skeletal muscle mass. NAFLD was determined according to NAFLD liver fat score or abdominal ultrasonography. The NAFLD groups showed a higher hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for LSMI than the normal groups (HRs = 1.21, 95% CIs = 1.05–1.40). The LSMI groups also showed a higher HRs with 95% CIs for NAFLD than normal groups (HRs = 1.56, 95% CIs = 1.38–1.78). Participants with NAFLD had consistently less skeletal muscle mass over 12 years of follow-up. In conclusion, LSMI and NAFLD showed a relationship. Maintaining muscle mass should be emphasized in the management of NAFLD.

Serum levels of hepatoprotective peptide adiponectin in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

2006 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 175-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cem Aygun ◽  
Omer Senturk ◽  
Saadettin Hulagu ◽  
Suleyman Uraz ◽  
Altay Celebi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Liver Disease ◽  
Fatty Liver ◽  
Fatty Liver Disease ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Alcoholic Fatty Liver ◽  
Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

scholarly journals Effects of Oral Vitamin C Supplementation on Liver Health and Associated Parameters in Patients With Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhangya He ◽  
Xiaomin Li ◽  
Hexiang Yang ◽  
Pei Wu ◽  
Shanshan Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Liver Disease ◽  
Glucose Metabolism ◽  
Vitamin C ◽  
Fatty Liver ◽  
Fatty Liver Disease ◽  
Alcoholic Fatty Liver ◽  
Hmw Adiponectin ◽  
Liver Health ◽  
Glutamyl Transferase ◽  
Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is now recognized as the most prevalent hepatic disorder worldwide, and an unhealthy lifestyle is the leading risk factor for its occurrence. Vitamin C (VC) has been suggested to protect NAFLD, whereas evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) is sparse. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential benefits of VC supplementation daily on liver health and associated parameters in patients with NAFLD. In this double-blind, RCT, 84 patients with NAFLD, aged 18–60 years old, were assigned to 12 weeks of oral treatment with either low (250 mg/day, n = 26), medium (1,000 mg/day, n = 30), or high (2,000 mg/day, n = 28) doses of VC supplements. After the intervention, the Medium group had a more significant decrease in aspartate aminotransferase [Medium, −5.00 (−10.25, −1.75) vs. High, −2.50 (−7.75, 0.00), P = 0.02] and alanine aminotransferase [Medium, −8.00 (−18.00, −1.75) vs. High, −3.50 (−13.75, 4.25), P = 0.05; Medium vs. Low, −3.00 (−9.00, 5.50), P = 0.031]. The levels of other indicators of liver health, such as gamma-glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin were decreased after the intervention but comparable among the three groups and so did the parameters of glucose metabolism, such as fasting insulin, fasting glucose, and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance. The plasma level of VC in patients and total adiponectin and high molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin levels were also elevated but not in a dose-dependent manner. Meanwhile, analysis of fecal microbiota composition showed an increase in the alpha diversity (Abundance-based Coverage Estimator (ACE), Shannon, chao1, and Simpson) both in the Low and the Medium groups. A total of 12 weeks of VC supplementation, especially 1,000 mg/day, improved liver health and glucose metabolism in patients with NAFLD. The elevated plasma levels of VC, total and HMW adiponectin, and the improvement of intestinal microbiota may have made some contributions.

scholarly journals Relationship of Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and Serum Level of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) in Normal Reference Range

2021 ◽  
pp. 33-39
Author(s):  
Doaa Ameen Khalil ◽  
Yasser Mohammed Abdul Raouf ◽  
Amal Said Al-Bendary ◽  
Kamal Mohamed Okasha
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factor ◽  
Liver Disease ◽  
Serum Level ◽  
Fatty Liver ◽  
Fatty Liver Disease ◽  
Independent Risk Factor ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone ◽  
Alcoholic Fatty Liver ◽  
Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can increase the incidence of cardiovascular disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. Thyroid hormones also play important roles in hepatic lipid metabolism and hepatic insulin resistance. Hypothyroidism is associated with reduced lipolysis and decreased liver uptake of free fatty acids derived from triglycerides. In recent years, the correlation between overt or subclinical hypothyroidism and NAFLD has been discussed. The relationship between NAFLD and thyroid function parameters remains unclear. Aim: We aimed to evaluate the relationship between serum level of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) within normal reference range and Non Alcoholic fatty liver Disease (NAFLD). Subjects and Methods: This is a cross sectional case control study on 40 patients with NAFLD and a control group of 20 healthy individuals, who were attendants of Outpatient Clinic of Internal Medicine Department of Tanta University Hospitals and EL-Menshawy General Hospital from February 2018 to the end of January 2019. Results: In the present study, univariate regression analysis showed that serum levels of AST, FT3, FT4 and Anti-TPO were independent risk factors of NAFLD, while in multivariate analysis the only independent risk factor of NAFLD was Anti-TPO serum level. Conclusion: Serum levels of AST, FT3, FT4 and Anti-TPO were independent risk factors of NAFLD in univariate regression analysis, while in multivariate analysis the only independent risk factor of NAFLD was Anti-TPO serum level. Despite the positive correlation between serum TSH level and grade of NAFLD, the study didn’t show serum TSH level as independent risk factor of NAFLD.

scholarly journals Magnesium Intake Is Inversely Associated with the Risk of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Among American Young adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 1446-1446
Author(s):  
Liping Lu ◽  
Cheng Chen ◽  
Yuexia Li ◽  
Lisa Vanwagner ◽  
Wenzhi Guo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Liver Disease ◽  
Coronary Artery ◽  
Fatty Liver ◽  
Fatty Liver Disease ◽  
Lower Risk ◽  
Liver Fat ◽  
Inverse Association ◽  
Alcoholic Fatty Liver ◽  
Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Abstract Objectives To examine magnesium (Mg) intake from diet and supplements during young adulthood in relation to risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in midlife. Methods A total of 2712 black and white American adults aged 18 to 30 years were recruited in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adult (CARDIA) study in 1985–1986 (baseline) with 8 additional examinations during 25 years thereafter. Mg intake was assessed at baseline and exam years 7 and 20 using the CARDIA diet history questionnaires. Computed tomography (CT) scanning was performed at exam year 25 (2010–2011) to ascertain NAFLD cases, which was defined as liver attenuation (LA) ≤51 Hounsfield units after exclusion for other causes of liver fat. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between cumulative average Mg intake and the risk of NAFLD. Results At exam year 25, 638 NAFLD cases were documented. An inverse association between total Mg intake (from diet and supplements) and NAFLD risk was observed after adjustment sociodemographics, major lifestyle factors, dietary quality, and clinical measurements (body mass index, blood pressure, lipid profiles, and fasting insulin). Compared with participants in the lowest quintile of Mg intake, those in the highest quintile had a 54% lower risk of NAFLD [multivariable-adjusted odds ratio = 0.46, 95% confidence interval = (0.25, 0.87), P for trend = 0.0498]. Consistently, there was an inverse association between whole grain consumption (a major food source of magnesium) and NAFLD risk. Conclusions This study suggests that higher intake of Mg throughout adulthood is associated with a lower risk of NAFLD in middle age. Funding Sources The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study is supported by grants from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) in collaboration with the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Northwestern University, University of Minnesota, and Kaiser Foundation Research Institute.This study is also partially supported by the NIH grants and NHLBI.

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