scholarly journals Very Low-Carbohydrate Ketogenic Diet for the Treatment of Severe Obesity and Associated Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: The Role of Sex Differences

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 2748 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco D’Abbondanza ◽  
Stefano Ministrini ◽  
Giacomo Pucci ◽  
Elisa Nulli Migliola ◽  
Eva-Edvige Martorelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Sex Differences ◽  
Liver Disease ◽  
Fatty Liver Disease ◽  
Severe Obesity ◽  
Menopausal Status ◽  
Alcoholic Fatty Liver ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Low Carbohydrate ◽  
Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Very low-carbohydrate ketogenic diets (VLCKDs) are an emerging nutritional treatment for severe obesity and are associated with a significant improvement in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Little is known about the effect of sex differences on weight loss induced by following a VLCKD. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of sex differences on weight loss and NAFLD improvement in patients with severe obesity undergoing a VLCKD. Forty-two females and 28 males with severe obesity underwent a 25-day VLCKD. Anthropometric parameters, bioimpedentiometry, degree of liver steatosis measured by ultrasonography, liver function tests, and glucose homeostasis were measured before and after the VLCKD. Males experienced a significantly larger excess body weight loss (EBWL) and a greater reduction in γ-glutamyl transferase (γGT) than females. Dividing the female group by menopausal status, a significant difference between males and pre-menopausal females was found for both EBWL and γGT. No significant difference between groups was observed for improvement in the Edmonton stage or in the degree of steatosis. We conclude that the efficacy of following a VLCKD in severe obesity is affected by sex differences and, for females, by menopausal status. Males seem to experience larger benefits than females in terms of EBWL and NAFLD improvement. These differences are attenuated after menopause, probably because of changes in hormonal profile and body composition.

scholarly journals Clinical characteristics and longitudinal changes of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in 2 decades: the NAGALA study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Takuro Okamura ◽  
Yoshitaka Hashimoto ◽  
Masahide Hamaguchi ◽  
Akihiro Obora ◽  
Takao Kojima ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Liver Disease ◽  
Fatty Liver ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Fatty Liver Disease ◽  
Abdominal Ultrasonography ◽  
Alcoholic Fatty Liver ◽  
The Past ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Abstract Background In this study, to clarify the evolving background of people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), we compared the current prevalence of NAFLD with that of 2 decades ago. Methods We included two cohorts. The past cohort was from 1994 to 1997 and included 4279 men and 2502 women. The current cohort was from 2014 to 2017 and included 8918 men and 7361 women. NAFLD was diagnosed by abdominal ultrasonography. Results The prevalence of NAFLD increased in both genders throughout these 2 decades (18.5% in the past cohort and 27.1% in the current cohort for men; and 8.0% in the past cohort and 9.4% in the current cohort for women). The prevalence of hyperglycemia increased, whereas the prevalence of low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and hypertriglyceridemia significantly decreased. There was no significant difference in the mean body mass index. Multivariate analysis revealed that the prevalence of obesity and body mass index were significantly associated with the prevalence of NAFLD in both the past and current cohorts. Conclusions The incidence of NAFLD significantly increased throughout these 2 decades, and obesity is the most prevalent factor. Thus, body weight management is an essential treatment option for NAFLD.

scholarly journals Patient disease knowledge, attitudes and behaviours related to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a qualitative study

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. e000634
Author(s):  
Monica A Tincopa ◽  
Jane Wong ◽  
Michael Fetters ◽  
Anna S Lok
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Liver Disease ◽  
Fatty Liver ◽  
Health Behaviour ◽  
Fatty Liver Disease ◽  
Primary Therapy ◽  
Alcoholic Fatty Liver ◽  
Medical Comorbidities ◽  
Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

ObjectiveDespite clear evidence that weight loss via nutritional and physical activity changes improves histological outcomes in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), many patients struggle to implement and maintain these health behaviour changes. The aim of this study was to characterise disease knowledge, attitudes and behaviours among persons with NAFLD and to identify the factors driving these health behaviours and perceptions.DesignWe conducted semistructured interviews among patients with NAFLD. We used purposeful sampling to enroll equivalent percentages based on age and sex, and enrolled approximately one-third of patients with cirrhosis to capture those perspectives. Interviews were conducted until thematic saturation was achieved. Transcripts were coded using NVivo software to identify themes and subthemes.ResultsA total of 29 patient interviews were completed. Ambiguity about the diagnosis and aetiology of their liver disease was a key theme, though the vast majority of patients were aware that weight loss via nutrition and exercise was the primary therapy. Most patients were asymptomatic, diagnosed incidentally, and reported low level of concern regarding their diagnosis. The primary barriers and facilitators to health behaviour change were the presence of social support, competing medical comorbidities and low motivation to change behaviours.ConclusionsAlthough patients are aware that lifestyle interventions are the primary therapy for NAFLD, there is a gap in knowledge about the condition. The presence of social support and competing medical comorbidities were the most consistent facilitators and barriers to lifestyle change. Tailoring treatment recommendations to provide relevant disease education, specific nutrition and exercise regimens, and personalised approaches based on specific individual barriers and facilitators will likely aid in uptake and maintenance of first-line therapy for NAFLD.

scholarly journals A 12-week multi-component dietary intervention improves markers of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in Irish patients in tertiary care

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (OCE2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Deirdre Ní Fhloinn ◽  
Ciara Wright ◽  
Sara Naimimohasses ◽  
Stephen Finn ◽  
Suzanne Norris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Liver Disease ◽  
Fatty Liver ◽  
Fatty Liver Disease ◽  
Dietary Intervention ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Alcoholic Fatty Liver ◽  
Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

AbstractNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a significant public health concern closely linked to obesity, affecting an estimated 25% of adults in Europe. Understudied in Ireland, the aim of this research was to examine the effects of a 12-week multi-component dietary intervention on weight loss and markers of liver injury in Irish NAFLD patients in tertiary care. Biopsy confirmed NAFLD patients (n = 27) were recruited from St James’ Hospital in Dublin, Ireland. Consenting participants underwent a 12-week moderate-intensity intervention incorporating weekly group nutritional education, behavioural change and group support, as well as individualised advice and weigh-ins from a trained nutritionist. Control group participants were given routine clinical care. All participants were clinically reviewed before, immediately after, and 3 months post intervention. Individuals (n = 12) with histological evidence of steatohepatitis underwent a repeat liver biopsy on completion of the intervention. Detailed dietary assessment was performed using both a 4-day diet diary (4DDD) and a novel, recently validated, short food frequency questionnaire (SFFQ) designed specifically to assess habitual intakes of food items related to NAFLD. Nutrient intakes were analysed using myFood24TM dietary analysis software, and the Mediterranean diet quality score (MDQS) was used to assess the overall change in dietary patterns. Of the 15 participants who completed the intervention, 80% (n = 12) achieved a weight loss exceeding 5%, with 47% (n = 7) achieving > 7%. There were significant improvements from baseline to week 12 in the intervention group for the majority of clinical parameters including HbA1c (p = 0.0054), liver enzymes (ALT, p = 0.0108; GGT, p = 0.0001) and transient elastography (kPA, p = 0.0308; CAP, p = 0.0081). However, these results failed to maintain significance when analysed compared to controls. The overall dietary pattern was significantly improved after 12 weeks as assessed by the MDQS (p = 0.03), with no apparent compromise in micronutrient intake despite the energy reduction. Reductions in energy, saturated fat, carbohydrate and sugar intakes at 12 weeks, were maintained at three months follow up. Analysis of pre- and post-intervention liver biopsies in the intervention group demonstrated a clinically significant improvement in NAS score (p = 0.0273), attributable to reductions in hepatic steatosis (p = 0.0078). A significant correlation was observed between improvement in liver histology and change in sugar intake (r = 0.7534, p = 0.0093). Although results were somewhat limited by small sample size, nutritional education achieved beneficial dietary changes that persisted after the intervention ceased. Notably, achieving reductions in sugar intakes may be particularly beneficial in reducing the severity of hepatic steatosis in Irish adults with NAFLD.

Polymorphisms 677C > T and 1298A > C in the MTHFR gene and homocysteine levels in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease as a component of the ontological model

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. A. Nosko ◽  
O. M. Rud
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Liver Disease ◽  
Fatty Liver ◽  
Fatty Liver Disease ◽  
Mthfr Gene ◽  
Scientific Data ◽  
Multiple Logistic Regression ◽  
Alcoholic Fatty Liver ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Objective — to systematize literature data on the presence of 677C > T and 1298A > C polymorphisms in the MTHFR gene and homocysteine levels in patients with non‑alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); to calculate the frequencies 677C > T and 1298A > C polymorphisms combinations in the MTHFR gene and their impact on NAFLD development; to compare homocysteine levels in patients with and without NAFLD. Materials and methods. The analysis has been performed for the results of investigation of 49 patients, from them 17 subjects with NAFLD and 32 without it. Clinical, laboratory, statistical and ontological methods were used in the study. The MTHFR 677C > T and MTHFR 1298A > C polymorphisms in the MTHFR gene were investigated with the use of real time polymerase chain reaction (RT‑PCR) technique. Homocysteine levels were determined with chemiluminescent immunoassay with reference values 3.7 — 13.9 µmol/L. Multiple logistic regression method was used to evaluate the effects 677C > T and 1298A > C polymorphisms in the MTHFR gene on NAFLD development. Results. The variant of combination of 667С/С/1298А/А polymorphisms in the MTHFR gene (absence of mutation) was reveled in 6 (12 %) persons, that showed a widespread prevalence of variants with the presence of mutations. The correlation between variants of 677C > T and 1298A > C polymorphism in the MTHFR gene has been established (r = 0.429; p < 0.05). The results of multiple logistic regression demonstrated absence of the significant effects of 677C > T and 1298A > C polymorphisms in the MTHFR gen on NAFLD development (p > 0.05). Comparison of the homocysteine levels in patients with and without NAFLD didn’t reveal significant difference (р > 0.05), as well as comparison in the groups with combinations of 677C > T and 1298А > С polymorphisms in the MTHFR gen (р > 0.05). This can be explained by the fact that NAFLD group consisted of manly young patients without hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus and severe liver fibrosis. Conclusions. Ontological systematization of the scientific data on NAFLD revealed that 677C > T and 1298A > C polymorphisms in the MTHFR gen are pathogenetically associated with the significant increase in homocysteine levels as a marker of cardiovascular pathology. Giving the multifactorial nature of hyperhomocysteinemia and wide spread of 677C > T and 1298A > C polymorphisms in the MTHFR gen in population, it seems to be impractical to use genetic investigations for MTHFR gen polymorphism in NAFLD patients routinely, but only for the purpose of differential diagnosis of hyperhomocysteinemia.  

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