Evaluation and management of extrahepatic manifestations of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Comparative associations of MASLD and MAFLD with the presence and severity of coronary artery calcification

We aimed to compare the associations of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) with coronary artery calcification (CAC). Patients who simultaneously underwent ultrasonography to diagnose hepatic steatosis and cardiac computed tomography to detect CAC were included. The presence and severity of CAC were defined with CAC-score thresholds of >0 and > 300, respectively, and patients were divided into the following groups: no MASLD or MAFLD (reference), MASLD-only, MAFLD-only, and overlapping groups. Overall, 1,060/2,773 (38.2%) patients had CAC, of which 196 (18.5%) had severe CAC. The MASLD and MAFLD prevalence rates were 32.6% and 45.2%, respectively, with an overlap of 30.7%. In an ASCVD risk score-adjusted model, both MASLD (adjusted odd ratios [aOR], 1.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-1.44; p = 0.033) and MAFLD (aOR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.01-1.42, p = 0.034) were associated with CAC, whereas only MASLD (aOR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.01-1.89, p = 0.041) was associated with severe CAC. Compared to the reference group, the overlapping group showed an association with CAC (aOR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.01-1.47; p = 0.038); however, the MASLD and MAFLD subgroups did not differ in their association with CAC. MASLD may predict a higher risk of ASCVD more effectively than MAFLD.

Magnetic resonance elastography-based prediction model for hepatic decompensation in NAFLD: A multicenter cohort study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is an accurate, continuous biomarker of liver fibrosis; however, the optimal combination with clinical factors to predict the risk of incident hepatic decompensation is unknown. Therefore, we aimed to develop and validate an MRE-based prediction model for hepatic decompensation for patients with NAFLD.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

This international multicenter cohort study included participants with NAFLD undergoing MRE from 6 hospitals. A total of 1254 participants were randomly assigned as training (n = 627) and validation (n = 627) cohorts. The primary end point was hepatic decompensation, defined as the first occurrence of variceal hemorrhage, ascites, or HE. Covariates associated with hepatic decompensation on Cox-regression were combined with MRE to construct a risk prediction model in the training cohort and then tested in the validation cohort. The median (IQR) age and MRE values were 61 (18) years and 3.5 (2.5) kPa in the training cohort and 60 (20) years and 3.4 (2.5) kPa in the validation cohort, respectively. The MRE-based multivariable model that included age, MRE, albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, and platelets had excellent discrimination for the 3- and 5-year risk of hepatic decompensation (c-statistic 0.912 and 0.891, respectively) in the training cohort. The diagnostic accuracy remained consistent in the validation cohort with a c-statistic of 0.871 and 0.876 for hepatic decompensation at 3 and 5 years, respectively, and was superior to Fibrosis-4 in both cohorts ( p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

An MRE-based prediction model allows for accurate prediction of hepatic decompensation and assists in the risk stratification of patients with NAFLD.

MAFLD might be better in identifying subjects with sarcopenia or cardiovascular risk than NAFLD: A nationwide study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Clinical features of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but not fulfilling the diagnostic criteria of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), remain unclear. We investigated the risk of sarcopenia and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in MAFLD and non-metabolic risk (MR) NAFLD.

METHODS

Subjects were selected from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 2008-2011. Liver steatosis was assessed using fatty liver index. Significant liver fibrosis was defined using fibrosis-4 index, categorized by age cut-offs. Sarcopenia was defined as the lowest quintile sarcopenia index. Atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD) risk score > 10% was defined as high probability.

RESULTS

A total of 7248 subjects had fatty liver (137 with non-MR NAFLD, 1752 with MAFLD/non-NAFLD, and 5359 with overlapping MAFLD and NAFLD). In non-MR NAFLD group 28 (20.4%) had significant fibrosis. The risk of sarcopenia (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.71, 95% confidence index [CI] = 1.27-5.78) and high probability of ASCVD (aOR = 2.79, 95% CI = 1.23-6.35) was significantly higher in MAFLD/non-NAFLD group than in non-MR NAFLD group (all P < 0.05). The risk of sarcopenia and high probability of ASCVD was similar between subjects with and without significant fibrosis in non-MR NAFLD group (all P > 0.05). However, the risk was significantly higher in MAFLD group than in non-MR NAFLD group (aOR = 3.38 for sarcopenia and 3.73 for ASCVD; all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The risks of sarcopenia and CVD were significantly higher in MAFLD group but did not differ according to fibrotic burden in non-MR NAFLD group. The MAFLD criteria might be better for identifying high-risk fatty liver disease than the NAFLD criteria.

Regression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with reduced risk of incident diabetes: A longitudinal cohort study

OBJECTIVE

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is potentially reversible. However, whether improvement of NAFLD leads to clinical benefits remains uncertain. We investigated the association between regression of NAFLD and the risk of incident diabetes in a longitudinal way.

METHODS

A cohort of 11,260 adults who had NAFLD at in an initial exam, had the second evaluation for NAFLD status at 1~2 years from an initial exam were followed up for incident diabetes from 2001 and 2016. NAFLD was diagnosed with abdominal ultrasound.

RESULTS

At baseline, NAFLD was regressed in 2,559 participants (22.7%). During 51,388 person-years of follow-up (median 4 years), 1,768 participants developed diabetes. The fully adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for incident diabetes in participants with regressed NAFLD compared to those with persistent NAFLD was 0.81 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.72-0.92]. When assessed by NAFLD severity, among participants with a low NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS) (< -1.455), participants with regressed NAFLD had a lower risk of incident diabetes than those with persistent NAFLD (HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.68-0.88). However, in participants with an intermediate to high NFS (≥ -1.455), the risk of incident diabetes was not different between NAFLD regression and persistence groups (HR 1.12, 95% CI 0.82-1.51).

CONCLUSIONS

Regression of NAFLD was associated with decreased risk of incident diabetes compared to persistent NAFLD. However, the benefit was evident only for NAFLD patients with low NFS. This suggests that early intervention for NAFLD, before advanced fibrosis is present, may maximize the metabolic benefit from NAFLD regression.

Diabetes and cirrhosis: Current concepts on diagnosis and management

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is often associated with cirrhosis as comorbidities, acute illness, medications, and other conditions profoundly alter glucose metabolism. Both conditions are closely related in NAFLD, the leading cause of chronic liver disease, and given its rising burden worldwide, management of type 2 diabetes mellitus in cirrhosis will be an increasingly common dilemma. Having diabetes increases cirrhosis-related complications, including HCC as well as overall mortality. In the absence of effective treatments for cirrhosis, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus should be systematically screened as early as possible for NAFLD-related fibrosis/cirrhosis using noninvasive tools, starting with a FIB-4 index followed by transient elastography, if available. In people with cirrhosis, an early diagnosis of diabetes is critical for an optimal management strategy (ie, nutritional goals, and glycemic targets). Diagnosis of diabetes may be missed if based on A1C in patients with cirrhosis and impaired liver function (Child-Pugh B-C) as anemia may turn the test unreliable. Clinicians must also become aware of their high risk of hypoglycemia, especially in decompensated cirrhosis where insulin is the only therapy. Care should be within multidisciplinary teams (nutritionists, obesity management teams, endocrinologists, hepatologists, and others) and take advantage of novel glucose-monitoring devices. Clinicians should become familiar with the safety and efficacy of diabetes medications for patients with advanced fibrosis and compensated cirrhosis. Management is conditioned by whether the patient has either compensated or decompensated cirrhosis. This review gives an update on the complex relationship between cirrhosis and type 2 diabetes mellitus, with a focus on its diagnosis and treatment, and highlights knowledge gaps and future directions.

Extrahepatic Outcomes of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Nonhepatocellular Cancers

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) encompasses the entire spectrum of fatty liver disease in individuals without significant alcohol consumption, including isolated steatosis, steatohepatitis, and cirrhosis. The overall global prevalence of NAFLD is estimated to be 30%, and the associated clinical and economic burden will continue to increase. NAFLD is a multisystemic disease with established links to cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, chronic kidney disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and intra- and extrahepatic malignancies. In this article the authors review the potential mechanisms and current evidence for the association between NAFLD and extrahepatic cancers and the resultant impact on clinical outcomes.

Metabolic dysfunction associated fatty liver disease identifies subjects with cardiovascular risk better than non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the main cause of mortality in subjects with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We investigated the association between CVD risk and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) or NAFLD and the influence of significant liver fibrosis on the CVD risk.

METHODS

Subjects who underwent a comprehensive medical check-up were recruited (2014-2019). Significant liver fibrosis was defined using NAFLD fibrosis score, fibrosis-4 index, aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index, or FibroScan-aspartate aminotransferase score. High probability of atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD) was defined as ASCVD risk score > 10%.

RESULTS

Of the study population (n = 78 762), 27 047 (34.3%) and 24 036 (30.5%) subjects had MAFLD and NAFLD respectively. A total of 1084 (4.0%) or 921 (3.8%) subjects had previous CVD history in MAFLD or NAFLD subgroup respectively. The previous CVD history and high probability of ASCVD were significantly higher in MAFLD or NAFLD subgroup with significant liver fibrosis than in the other groups (all p < .001). In multivariable analysis, MAFLD was independently associated with previous CVD history after adjusting for confounders (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.10, p = .038), whereas NAFLD was not (all p > .05). MAFLD (aOR = 1.40) or NAFLD (aOR = 1.22) was independently associated with high probability of ASCVD after full adjustment respectively (all p < .001). Significant liver fibrosis was independently associated with previous CVD history and high probability of ASCVD after adjustment in MAFLD or NAFLD subgroup respectively (all p < .05).

CONCLUSION

MAFLD might better identify subjects with CVD risk than NAFLD. Fibrosis assessment might be helpful for detailed prognostication in subjects with MAFLD.

Noninvasive imaging biomarkers for liver fibrosis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: current and future

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasingly prevalent worldwide and becoming a major cause of liver disease-related morbidity and mortality. The presence of liver fibrosis in patients with NAFLD is closely related to prognosis, including the development of hepatocellular carcinoma and other complications of cirrhosis. Therefore, assessment of the presence of significant or advanced liver fibrosis is crucial. Although liver biopsy has been considered the "gold standard" method for evaluating the degree of liver fibrosis, it is not suitable for extensive use in all patients with NAFLD owing to its invasiveness and high cost. Therefore, noninvasive biochemical and imaging biomarkers have been developed to overcome the limitations of liver biopsy. Imaging biomarkers for the stratification of liver fibrosis have been evaluated in patients with NAFLD using different imaging techniques, such as transient elastography, shear wave elastography, and magnetic resonance elastography. Furthermore, artificial intelligence and deep learning methods are increasingly being applied to improve the diagnostic accuracy of imaging techniques and overcome the pitfalls of existing imaging biomarkers. In this review, we describe the usefulness and future prospects of noninvasive imaging biomarkers that have been studied and used to evaluate the degree of liver fibrosis in patients with NAFLD.

Association of Physical Activity With Risk of Liver Fibrosis, Sarcopenia, and Cardiovascular Disease in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

BACKGROUND & AIMS

International guidelines recommend physical activity for subjects with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study investigated the association of physical activity with risk of liver fibrosis, sarcopenia, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in NAFLD.

METHODS

In this multicenter, retrospective study, 11,690 NAFLD subjects who underwent a health screening program and were assessed for physical activity (metabolic equivalent task [MET]-min/week) between 2014 and 2020 were recruited. Liver fibrosis was assessed by using the fibrosis-4 index, NAFLD fibrosis score, and FibroScan-AST score, sarcopenia by using multi-frequency bioelectric impedance analysis, and CVD risk by using atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD) risk score, and coronary artery calcium (CAC) score were calculated.

RESULTS

The prevalence of fibrosis, sarcopenia, high probability of ASCVD, and high CAC score significantly decreased with increasing quartiles of physical activity (all P for trend <.001). In a fully adjusted model, physical activity above 600 MET-min/week (≥third quartile) was independently associated with a reduced risk of fibrosis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.40-0.86), sarcopenia (aOR = 0.72; 95% CI, 0.58-0.88), high probability of ASCVD (aOR = 0.58; 95% CI, 0.46-0.73), and high CAC score (aOR = 0.32; 95% CI, 0.13-0.83; all P <.05). In addition, increasing amounts of physical activity were significantly associated with risk reduction between fibrosis, sarcopenia, and high probability of ASCVD (all P for trend <.001). In subjects with sarcopenic obesity or lean NAFLD, physical activity was also independently associated with reduced risk of fibrosis and high probability of ASCVD (all P <.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Physical activity showed a protective effect against fibrosis, sarcopenia, and CVD in NAFLD.

Liver transplantation for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: indications and post-transplant management

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is currently the fastest growing indication to liver transplantation (LT) in Western Countries, both for end stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. NAFLD/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is often expression of a systemic metabolic syndrome; therefore, NAFLD/NASH patients require a multidisciplinary approach for a proper pre-surgical evaluation, which is important to achieve a post-transplant outcome comparable to that of other indications to LT. NAFLD/NASH patients are also at higher risk of post-transplant cardiovascular events, diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, renal impairment and recurrent NASH. Lifestyle modifications, included diet and physical activity, are key to improve survival and quality of life after transplantation. A tailored immunosuppressive regimen may be proposed in selected patients. Development of new drugs for the treatment of recurrent NASH is awaited.

Screening strategy for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease, affecting approximately 25% of the general population worldwide, and is forecasted to increase global health burden in the 21st century. With the advancement of non-invasive tests for assessing and monitoring of steatosis and fibrosis, NAFLD screening is now feasible, and is increasingly highlighted in international guidelines related to hepatology, endocrinology, and pediatrics. Identifying high-risk populations (e.g., diabetes mellitus, obesity, metabolic syndrome) based on risk factors and metabolic characteristics for non-invasive screening is crucial and may aid in designing screening strategies to be more precise and effective. Many screening modalities are currently available, from serum-based methods to ultrasonography, transient elastography, and magnetic resonance imaging, although the diagnostic performance, cost, and accessibility of different methods may impact the actual implementation. A two-step assessment with serum-based fibrosis-4 index followed by imaging test vibration-controlled transient elastography can be an option to stratify the risk of liverrelated complications in NAFLD. There is a need for fibrosis surveillance, as well as investigating the cost-effectiveness of different screening algorithms and engaging primary care for first-stage triage screening.

Intestinal microbiota in the treatment of metabolically associated fatty liver disease

Metabolically associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a common cause of chronic liver disease, the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome. Despite the increasing incidence of MAFLD, no effective treatment is available. Recent research indicates a link between the intestinal microbiota and liver diseases such as MAFLD. The composition and characteristics of the intestinal microbiota and therapeutic perspectives of MAFLD are reviewed in the current study. An imbalance in the intestinal microbiota increases intestinal permeability and exposure of the liver to adipokines. Furthermore, we focused on reviewing the latest "gut-liver axis" targeted therapy.

Old and new classes of glucose-lowering agents as treatments for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A narrative review

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most common chronic liver disease with a global prevalence of about 55% in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). T2DM, obesity and NAFLD are three closely inter-related pathological conditions. In addition, T2DM is one of the strongest clinical risk factors for the faster progression of NAFLD to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Increasing evidence suggests that newer classes of glucose-lowering drugs, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor agonists, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors or sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors, could reduce the rates of NAFLD progression. This narrative review aims to briefly summarize the recent results from randomized controlled trials testing the efficacy and safety of old and new glucose-lowering drugs for the treatment of NAFLD or NASH in adults both with and without coexisting T2DM.

Ultrasound-Based Hepatic Elastography in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Focus on Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent liver disease and is the hepatic expression of metabolic syndrome. The development of non-invasive methods for the diagnosis of hepatic steatosis and advanced fibrosis in high-risk patients, especially those with type 2 diabetes mellitus, is highly needed to replace the invasive method of liver biopsy. Elastographic methods can bring significant added value to screening and diagnostic procedures for NAFLD in patients with diabetes, thus contributing to improved NAFLD management. Pharmacological development and forthcoming therapeutic measures that address NAFLD should also be based on new, non-invasive, and reliable tools that assess NAFLD in at-risk patients and be able to properly guide treatment in individuals with both diabetes and NAFLD. This is the first review aiming to outline and discuss recent studies on ultrasound-based hepatic elastography, focusing on NAFLD assessment in patients with diabetes.

A Multidisciplinary Approach and Current Perspective of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review

In recent times, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been considered one of the major causes of liver disease across the world. NAFLD is defined as the deposition of triglycerides in the liver and is associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome. Hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance (IR), fatty liver, hepatocyte injury, unbalanced proinflammatory cytokines, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, liver inflammation, and fibrosis are the main pathogenesis in NAFLD. Recent studies suggest that the action of intestinal microbiota through chronic inflammation, increased intestinal permeability, and energy uptake plays a vital role in NAFLD. Moreover, polycystic ovarian syndrome also causes NAFLD development through IR. Age, gender, race, ethnicity, sleep, diet, sedentary lifestyle, and genetic and epigenetic pathways are some contributing factors of NAFLD that can exacerbate the risk of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and eventually lead to death. NAFLD has various presentations, including fatigue, unexplained weight loss, bloating, upper abdominal pain, decreased appetite, headache, anxiety, poor sleep, increased thirst, palpitation, and a feeling of warmth. Some studies have shown that NAFLD with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has poor outcomes. The gold standard for NAFLD diagnosis is liver biopsy. Other diagnostic tools are imaging tests, serum biomarkers, microbiota markers, and tests for extrahepatic complications. There are no specific treatments for NAFLD. Therefore, the main concern for NAFLD is treating the comorbid conditions such as anti-diabetic agents for type 2 diabetes mellitus, statins to reduce HCC progression, antioxidants to prevent hepatocellular damage, and bariatric surgery for patients with a BMI of >40 kg/m² and >35 kg/m² with comorbidities. Lifestyle and dietary changes are considered preventive strategies against NAFLD advancement. Inadequate treatment of NAFLD further leads to cardiac consequences, sleep apnea, chronic kidney disease, and inflammatory bowel disease. In this systematic review, we have briefly discussed the risk factors, pathogenesis, clinical features, and numerous consequences of NAFLD. We have also reviewed various guidelines for NAFLD diagnosis along with existing therapeutic strategies for the management and prevention of the disease.

New Insights into Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Coronary Artery Disease: The Liver-Heart Axis

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents the hepatic expression of the metabolic syndrome and is the most prevalent liver disease. NAFLD is associated with liver-related and extrahepatic morbi-mortality. Among extrahepatic complications, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the primary cause of mortality in patients with NAFLD. The most frequent clinical expression of CVD is the coronary artery disease (CAD). Epidemiological data support a link between CAD and NAFLD, underlain by pathogenic factors, such as the exacerbation of insulin resistance, genetic phenotype, oxidative stress, atherogenic dyslipidemia, pro-inflammatory mediators, and gut microbiota. A thorough assessment of cardiovascular risk and identification of all forms of CVD, especially CAD, are needed in all patients with NAFLD regardless of their metabolic status. Therefore, this narrative review aims to examine the available data on CAD seen in patients with NAFLD, to outline the main directions undertaken by the CVD risk assessment and the multiple putative underlying mechanisms implicated in the relationship between CAD and NAFLD, and to raise awareness about this underestimated association between two major, frequent and severe diseases.

Mouse liver injury induces hepatic macrophage FGF23 production

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is a bone marrow cell produced hormone that functions in the intestine and kidney to regulate phosphate homeostasis. Increased serum FGF23 is a well-established predictor of mortality in renal disease, but recent findings linking increased levels to hepatic and cardiac diseases have suggested that other organs are sources of FGF23 or targets of its effects. The potential ability of the liver to produce FGF23 in response to hepatocellular injury was therefore examined. Very low levels of Fgf23 mRNA and FGF23 protein were detected in normal mouse liver, but the amounts increased markedly during acute liver injury from the hepatotoxin carbon tetrachloride. Serum levels of intact FGF23 were elevated during liver injury from carbon tetrachloride. Chronic liver injury induced by a high fat diet or elevated bile acids also increased hepatic FGF23 levels. Stimulation of toll-like receptor (TLR) 4-driven inflammation by gut-derived lipopolysaccharide (LPS) underlies many forms of liver injury, and LPS induced Fgf23 in the liver as well as in other organs. The LPS-inducible cytokines IL-1β and TNF increased hepatic Fgf23 expression as did a TLR2 agonist Pam2CSK3. Analysis of Fgf23 expression and FGF23 secretion in different hepatic cell types involved in liver injury identified the resident liver macrophage or Kupffer cell as a source of hepatic FGF23. LPS and cytokines selectively induced the hormone in these cells but not in hepatocytes or hepatic stellate cells. FGF23 failed to exert any autocrine effect on the inflammatory state of Kupffer cells but did trigger proinflammatory activation of hepatocytes. During liver injury inflammatory factors induce Kupffer cell production of FGF23 that may have a paracrine proinflammatory effect on hepatocytes. Liver-produced FGF23 may have systemic hormonal effects as well that influence diseases in in other organs.

Positive association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and growth hormone deficiency in patients with nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma

OBJECTIVE

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by growth hormone deficiency (GHd). We investigated the association between NAFLD and GHd in patients with nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPA).

DESIGN AND METHODS

We recruited patients with NFPA who underwent transsphenoidal adenectomy between January 2005 and December 2018. Pituitary function was determined by the insulin tolerance test, thyroid hormone assay, and gonadal hormone levels. NAFLD was defined as a hepatic steatosis index greater than 36.

RESULTS

Among 278 patients (mean age, 44.2 years; 58.6% [n=163] female), 103 (37.0%) had GHd, 139 (50.0%) had hypogonadism, and 75 (27.0%) had NAFLD. The prevalence of NAFLD was significantly higher in patients with GHd than in those without (36.9% vs. 21.1%, p=0.01). Even after adjusting for age, total cholesterol level, gonadal function, and prolactin level, patients with GHd had approximately two-fold higher prevalence of NALFD than those without GHd (adjusted odds ratio [OR]=1.85, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.05-3.28, p=0.03). Among female patients, the prevalence of NALFD was significantly higher in those with GHd than in those without (adjusted OR=2.39, 95% CI=1.03-5.55, p=0.04); whereas, among male patients, the prevalence of NAFLD was statistically similar between those with and without GHd (p>0.05). In addition, gonadal function did not affect the prevalence of NAFLD in patients with NFPA (29.3% with eugonadism vs. 47.8% with hypogonadism, p=0.14).

CONCLUSION

Among patients with NFPA, the prevalence of NAFLD was two-fold higher in patients with GHd than that in those without GHd. Thus, screening for NAFLD might be required in NFPA patients with GHd.

The Association Between Breastfeeding and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Parous Women: A Nation-wide Cohort Study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Breastfeeding has multiple effects on maternal health outcomes. However, the effect of breastfeeding on NAFLD in parous women remains unclear.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

A total of 6,893 Korean parous women aged 30-50 years who participated in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were assessed for the association between breastfeeding and NAFLD. Duration of lactation was calculated by dividing the total lactation period by the number of breastfed children. NAFLD was defined by the hepatic steatosis index. Of 6,893 women, 1,049 (15.2%) had NAFLD. Prevalence of NAFLD was 18.3%, 14.3%, 12.3%, 14.4%, and 15.8% in women with a breastfeeding period of <1, ≥1-<3, ≥3-<6, ≥6-<12, and ≥12 months, respectively. In a fully adjusted model, breastfeeding (≥1 month) was associated with reduced NAFLD prevalence (OR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.51-0.89) after adjusting for metabolic, socioeconomic, and maternal risk factors. Fully adjusted ORs (95% CI) decreased with an increase of breastfeeding duration: 0.74 (0.49-1.11), 0.70 (0.47-1.05), 0.67 (0.48-0.94), and 0.64 (0.46-0.89) for women with ≥1-<3, ≥3-<6, ≥6-<12, and ≥12 months of breastfeeding duration, respectively, compared to women with <1 month of breastfeeding duration. Such an association was also observed in all predefined subgroups without interaction.

CONCLUSIONS

Breastfeeding showed a protective effect against NAFLD in later life of parous women, suggesting a maternal benefit of breastfeeding on NAFLD.

Incidences of hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroiditis are increased in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

BACKGROUND AIMS

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as the most prevalent chronic liver disease, with about one in four people being affected in most areas of the world. Due to its strong association with metabolic syndrome, NAFLD is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Recent data have suggested a pathophysiological association between NAFLD and thyroid disease, but most studies are explorative and results remained conflicting. Here, we aimed at evaluating a potential association between NAFLD and hypothyroidism as well as autoimmune thyroiditis primary care patients in Germany.

METHODS

Incidence rates of hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroiditis were compared between a cohort of n = 40,583 patients with NAFLD and a cohort of equal size without NAFLD that was matched by sex, age, index year, obesity and diabetes within 10 years from the index date.

RESULTS

Within the 10 years observation period, incidence of hypothyroidism was significantly higher among patients with NAFLD compared to patients without NAFLD [hazard ratio: 1.53 (95% confidence interval, 1.43-1.64), P < 0.001]. Importantly, regression analysis revealed that the association was significant in both men and women patients as well as in patients from all age groups. Moreover, NAFLD patients showed a significantly higher incidence rate of autoimmune thyroiditis compared to patients without NAFLD [hazard ratio: 1.55 (95% confidence interval, 1.34-1.79), P < 0.001]. This association was most pronounced in patients >70 years.

CONCLUSION

Our study provides strong evidence for a significant association between NAFLD and hypothyroidism as well as autoimmune thyroiditis in a large population-based cohort in Germany. This finding should trigger a particular awareness of thyroid diseases in this increasingly important patient group.

Fatty Liver Index for Predicting Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in an Asymptomatic Korean Population

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing worldwide, highlighting the importance of early and accurate detection and the appropriate management of NAFLD. However, ultrasonography (US) is not included in many mass screening programs, and people have limited access to it. The aim of this study is to validate the fatty liver index (FLI) and investigate the optimal cutoff value for predicting NAFLD in an asymptomatic population. We conducted a retrospective cohort study in Korea. All subjects who underwent health checkup exams, including abdominal US, controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) and blood testing, were enrolled. Analyses of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) were used to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and to calculate the optimal FLI cutoff for US-NAFLD. Among the 4009 subjects (mean age 54.9 years, 83.5% male), the prevalence of US-diagnosed NAFLD and CAP-defined hepatic steatosis was 61.4% and 55.4%. The previously used cutoff of FLI = 60 showed poor performance in predicting US-diagnosed NAFLD, with an AUROC of 0.63 (0.62–0.64), and CAP-defined NAFLD, with an AUROC 0.63 (0.62–0.64). The optimal FLI cutoff values to discriminate fatty liver detected by US were 29 for the entire population, with an AUROC of 0.82 (0.81–0.84). The sex-specific values were 31 for males and 18 for females (sensitivity 72.8% and 73.4%; specificity 74.2% and 85.0%, respectively). The FLI cutoff for US-diagnosed NAFLD can be set as 29 for the entire Korean population. Considering the sex dimorphism in NAFLD, different cutoff values are suggested to predict US-diagnosed NAFLD. These results may be helpful in the accurate non-invasive diagnosis of NAFLD.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and hematologic manifestations (Review)

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a multisystem disease, and it is associated with numerous extra-hepatic manifestations or additional co-occurring diseases. The aim of the present review was the identification and management of the hematologic manifestations of NAFLD. One of the triggers is considered to be iron abnormalities. Increased ferritin levels, hepatic iron deposits and iron overload are associated with NAFLD. The iron overload degree and severity are associated with the level of liver fibrosis and with the risk for hepatocellular carcinoma. Excess iron deposits refers to the dysmetabolic iron overload syndrome (DIOS) and it is characterized by steatosis associated with moderate tissue iron deposition and increased levels of serum ferritin, while the serum transferrin saturation was normal. Further prospective studies are necessary to determine whether NAFLD has an independent risk for hematologic symptoms, besides the known risk factors. Future studies are also needed in order to assess the increasing impact of NAFLD on the micro- and macro-vascular complications of this systemic disease.

Risk stratification using sarcopenia status among subjects with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease

BACKGROUND

Sarcopenia is a significant indicator of the severity of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. We investigated whether sarcopenia could identify subgroups with different risk of liver fibrosis and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) among subjects with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD).

METHODS

Subjects from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2008-2011 were selected (n = 8361). Sarcopenia was defined using the sarcopenia index. Hepatic steatosis was defined as a fatty liver index ≥30. Significant liver fibrosis was defined as a fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4) ≥2.67 or the highest quartile of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score (NFS). High probability of ASCVD was defined as ASCVD risk score >10%.

RESULTS

The mean age was 48.5 ± 15.6 years, and 42.6% of subjects were male. The prevalence of MAFLD was 37.3% (n = 3116 of 8361), and the proportion of sarcopenic subjects was 9.9% among those with MAFLD. After adjusting for confounders, the risk of significant liver fibrosis significantly increased from non-sarcopenic subjects with MAFLD [odds ratio (OR) = 1.57 by FIB-4 and 2.13 by NFS] to sarcopenic subjects with MAFLD (OR = 4.51 by FIB-4 and 5.72 by NFS), compared with subjects without MAFLD (all P < 0.001). The risk for high probability of ASCVD significantly increased from non-sarcopenic subjects with MAFLD (OR = 1.47) to sarcopenic subjects with MAFLD (OR = 4.08), compared with subjects without MAFLD (all P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The risks of significant liver fibrosis and ASCVD differed significantly according to sarcopenic status among subjects with MAFLD. An assessment of sarcopenia might be helpful in risk stratification among subjects with MAFLD.

Association between Fasting Ketonuria and Advanced Liver Fibrosis in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Patients without Prediabetes and Diabetes Mellitus

Ketone body production, an alternative fuel upon low glucose availability, reduces hepatic fat accumulation. However, its clinical implications have not been established in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We investigated the association between spontaneous fasting ketonuria and liver fibrosis in patients with NAFLD without prediabetes and diabetes mellitus (DM). A total of 6202 patients with ultrasound confirmed NAFLD without prediabetes and DM were enrolled in the study. Using low cut off values of NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS) and fibrosis-4, liver fibrosis was defined as an intermediate-high probability of advanced liver fibrosis. Of the 6202 NAFLD patients, 360 (5.8%) had ketonuria. Compared to the patients without ketonuria, patients with ketonuria were younger (41.1 vs. 44.6 years, p < 0.001), had lower levels of glucose (87.2 vs. 91.0 mg/dL, p < 0.001), and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (1.0 vs. 1.5, p < 0.001). The presence of ketonuria had an inverse association with liver fibrosis, assessed using both NFS (final adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.45-1.01) and fibrosis-4 (aOR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.40-0.84). The presence of ketonuria in NAFLD patients without prediabetes and DM may have favorable metabolic effects compared to the absence of ketonuria, independent of traditional metabolic factors.

[Nutraceutical correction in the complex non-drug treatment of metabolic syndrome]

The use of complex non-drug technologies at the stage of rehabilitation of metabolic syndrome (MS) includes multifactorial correction of its main manifestations: abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, arterial hypertension and dyslipidemia. A prospective randomized study on the use of low-calorie diet (LCD) and nutraceutical correction of the nutritional status of patients with MS was carried out.

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of a non-drug complex including LCD, physical exercises, as well as correction of the gut microbiome and hepatic protection in relation to reduction of visceral fat volume in abdominal obesity and the dynamics of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism hormones in metabolic syndrome.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

120 patients with MS were randomized into 2 groups: Group 1 received LCD, physical exercises in the gym, and physical activity like daily walking up to 3-5 km/day. Group 2 received LCD, physical exercises in the gym, physical activity like daily walking up to 3-5 km/day, as well as nutraceutical correction of increased appetite, gut probiotic composition, hepatic protection. The treatment duration was 4 weeks. Anthropometric methods in order to control the body weight, waist and hip circumferences and bioimpedansometry were used.

RESULTS

As a treatment result, patients in group 1 represented a reduction in body weight, lean and active cell mass, a decrease in musculoskeletal mass and a decrease in total fluid due to extracellular fluid. A decrease in total cholesterol and blood triglyceride fraction was noted. Leptin decreased by 13.96%. Patients of the 2^nd group represented a decrease in body weight, fat mass, lean mass, total fluid and extracellular fluid. There was a statistically significant increase in active cell mass, skeletal muscle mass. There was a decrease in total cholesterol, triglycerides and transaminases. Due to weight loss and fat mass reduction a decrease in leptin expression by 29.85% and decrease in blood insulin levels by 11.2% were noted.

CONCLUSION

Thus, LCD accompanied by nutraceutical correction of the gut microbiota and hepatic protection can be effectively used in combination with physical training in order to reduce the fat mass without pre-sarcopenia development that was confirmed by positive dynamics of volume indices, bioimpedance measurements and reduction in leptin and insulin expression.

Polycystic ovary syndrome in pediatric obesity and diabetes

INTRODUCTION

Polycystic ovary syndrome is characterized by anovulation (amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, irregular menstrual cycles) combined with symptoms of androgen excess (hirsutism, acne, alopecia). The clear definition and diagnosis in adolescents could be challenging considering that most of symptoms occur as part of the expected physiological hormonal imbalance of puberty. Therefore, different diagnostic criteria have been elaborated. Polycystic ovary syndrome could be associated to obesity, diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome. In adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome, adiposity is associated with higher androgen concentrations and greater menstrual irregularity. Polycystic ovary syndrome in youth is considered a risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus in adulthood. On the other hand, increased prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome has been shown in type 1 diabetes mellitus.

EVIDENCE

The treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescents is controversial considering that adequate trials are lacking. First line treatment comprises lifestyle modification (preferably multicomponent including diet, exercise and behavioural strategies) that should be recommended overall in the patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and overweight, central obesity and insulin resistance. Beyond non-pharmacological therapy, pharmacological agents include combined hormonal contraceptives, metformin and antiandrogens, used separately or in combination. The aim of therapy is to bring back ovulation, to normalize menses, to reduce hirsutism and acne, to reduce weight. Other important goal is the treatment of hyperlipidaemia and of hyperglycaemia.

CONCLUSIONS

This narrative review aims to review the most pertinent literature about polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescents with obesity or diabetes. We overviewed the diagnostic criteria, the pathophysiology and the possible treatment approaches.

The Role of Resveratrol in Liver Disease: A Comprehensive Review from In Vitro to Clinical Trials

Many studies have shown that resveratrol has a lot of therapeutic effects on liver disorders. Its administration can significantly increase the survival rate after liver transplantation, reduce fat deposition and ischemia-induced necrosis and apoptosis in Wistar rats. Resveratrol can provide Liver protection against chemical, cholestatic, and alcohol-mediated damage. It can improve glucose metabolism and lipid profile, reduce liver fibrosis, and steatosis. Additionally, it is capable of altering the fatty acid composition of the liver cells. Resveratrol may be a potential treatment option for the management of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and calorie-restricting effects. There are also studies that have evaluated the effect of resveratrol on lipid and liver enzyme profiles among patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and related disorders. Based on the extent of liver disease worldwide and the need to find new treatment possibilities, this review critically examines current in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies and human clinical studies related to liver protection.

Immunity as Cornerstone of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: The Contribution of Oxidative Stress in the Disease Progression

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome and has become the major cause of chronic liver disease, especially in western countries. NAFLD encompasses a wide spectrum of hepatic histological alterations, from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis and cirrhosis with a potential development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is characterized by lobular inflammation and fibrosis. Several studies reported that insulin resistance, redox unbalance, inflammation, and lipid metabolism dysregulation are involved in NAFLD progression. However, the mechanisms beyond the evolution of simple steatosis to NASH are not clearly understood yet. Recent findings suggest that different oxidized products, such as lipids, cholesterol, aldehydes and other macromolecules could drive the inflammation onset. On the other hand, new evidence indicates innate and adaptive immunity activation as the driving force in establishing liver inflammation and fibrosis. In this review, we discuss how immunity, triggered by oxidative products and promoting in turn oxidative stress in a vicious cycle, fuels NAFLD progression. Furthermore, we explored the emerging importance of immune cell metabolism in determining inflammation, describing the potential application of trained immune discoveries in the NASH pathological context.