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Arold D, Bornstein SR, Perakakis N, Ehrlich S, Bernardoni F. Regional gray matter changes in steatotic liver disease provide a neurobiological link to depression: A cross-sectional UK Biobank cohort study. Metabolism 2024; 159:155983. [PMID: 39089490 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2024.155983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 07/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Steatotic liver disease (SLD) is characterized by excessive accumulation of lipids in the liver. It is associated with elevated risk of hepatic and cardiometabolic diseases, as well as mental disorders such as depression. Previous studies revealed global gray matter reduction in SLD. To investigate a possible shared neurobiology with depression, we examined liver fat-related regional gray matter alterations in SLD and its most significant clinical subgroup metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). METHODS We analyzed regional cortical thickness and area obtained from brain MRI in 29,051 participants in UK Biobank. Liver fat amount was computed as proton density fat fraction (PDFF) from liver MRI scans. We examined the relationship between brain structure and PDFF, adjusting for sociodemographic, physical, lifestyle, and environmental factors, as well as alcohol intake and a spectrum of cardiometabolic covariates. Finally, we compared patterns of brain alterations in SLD/MASLD and major depressive disorder (MDD) using previously published results. RESULTS PDFF-related gray matter alterations were region-specific, involving both increases and decreases in cortical thickness, and increased cortical area. In several regions, PDFF effects on gray matter could also be attributed to cardiometabolic covariates. However, PDFF was consistently associated with lower cortical thickness in middle and superior temporal regions and higher cortical thickness in pericalcarine and right frontal pole regions. PDFF-related alterations for the SLD and the MASLD group correlated with those observed in MDD (Pearson r = 0.45-0.54, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION These findings suggest the presence of shared biological mechanisms linking MDD to SLD and MASLD. They might explain the well-known elevated risk of depression in these groups and support early lifestyle interventions and treatment of metabolic risk factors for the successful management of the interconnected diseases depression and SLD/MASLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic Arold
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Stefan R Bornstein
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Paul Langerhans Institute Dresden (PLID), Helmholtz Center Munich, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD e.V.), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Nikolaos Perakakis
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Paul Langerhans Institute Dresden (PLID), Helmholtz Center Munich, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD e.V.), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Ehrlich
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Fabio Bernardoni
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
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Mikkelsen ACD, Kjærgaard K, Mookerjee RP, Vilstrup H, Wegener G, Bay-Richter C, Thomsen KL. Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Also a Disease of the Brain? A Systematic Review of the Preclinical Evidence. Neurochem Res 2024; 49:1468-1488. [PMID: 35230646 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03551-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) currently affects 25% of the global adult population. Cognitive impairment is a recently recognised comorbidity impeding memory, attention, and concentration, affecting the patients' activities of daily living and reducing their quality of life. This systematic review provides an overview of the evidence for, and potential pathophysiological mechanisms behind brain dysfunction at a neurobiological level, in preclinical NAFLD. We performed a systematic literature search for animal models of NAFLD studying intracerebral conditions using PubMed, Embase and Scopus. We included studies that reported data on neurobiology in rodent and pig models with evidence of steatosis or steatohepatitis assessed by liver histology. 534 unique studies were identified, and 30 studies met the selection criteria, and were included. Findings of neurobiological changes were divided into five key areas: (1) neuroinflammation, (2) neurodegeneration, (3) neurotransmitter alterations, (4) oxidative stress, and (5) changes in proteins and synaptic density. Despite significant heterogeneity in the study designs, all but one study of preclinical NAFLD reported changes in one or more of the above key areas when compared to control animals. In conclusion, this systematic review supports an association between all stages of NAFLD (from simple steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)) and neurobiological changes in preclinical models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kristoffer Kjærgaard
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Rajeshwar Prosad Mookerjee
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
- UCL Institute of Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Hendrik Vilstrup
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Gregers Wegener
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Cecilie Bay-Richter
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Karen Louise Thomsen
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
- UCL Institute of Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, London, UK
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Lu Y, Pike JR, Hoogeveen R, Walker K, Raffield L, Selvin E, Avery C, Engel S, Mielke MM, Garcia T, Heiss G, Palta P. Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Longitudinal Change in Imaging and Plasma Biomarkers of Alzheimer Disease and Vascular Pathology. Neurology 2024; 102:e209203. [PMID: 38471046 PMCID: PMC11033987 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000209203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Prospective measures of plasma and cerebral MRI biomarkers of Alzheimer disease (AD) and vascular neuropathology provide an opportunity to investigate possible mechanisms linking liver disease and dementia. We aimed to quantify the association of midlife nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with change in plasma and brain MRI biomarkers of AD and vascular neuropathology. METHODS We included participants from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study with brain MRI measurements of white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume and temporal-parietal lobe cortical thickness meta region of interest (ROI) at up to 2 different visits, in 2011-13 and 2016-19, and plasma biomarkers of β-amyloid (Aβ)42:40, phosphorylated tau at threonine 181, and neurofilament light (NfL) were measured up to 3 times in 1993-95, 2011-13, and 2016-19. NAFLD was categorized using the fatty liver index in 1990-92. Multivariate linear regression was performed for associations between midlife NAFLD and change in plasma and brain MRI biomarkers of AD and vascular neuropathology. The primary models adjusted for demographics, Apolipoprotein E, alcohol use, and kidney function. RESULTS Among 1,706 participants (mean age 56 years, 62% female, 28% Black), midlife NAFLD vs no NAFLD was associated with greater late-life WMH volume (difference per SD 0.19, 95% CI 0.06-0.31) and faster late-life WMH increase over 6 years (difference in annual change, SD 0.28, 95% CI 0.05-0.51), suggesting accumulating vascular pathology. Midlife NAFLD vs no NAFLD was also associated with AD biomarkers in midlife (lower Aβ42:40 [SD -0.21, 95% CI -0.39 to -0.04] measured in 1993-95) and late life (lower Aβ42:40 [SD -0.13, 95% CI -0.23 to -0.03] and lower temporal-parietal lobe cortical thickness meta ROI [SD -0.16, 95% CI -0.28 to -0.05] measured in 2011-13). Although midlife NfL was lower in individuals with vs without midlife NAFLD, those with NAFLD exhibited a faster rate of NfL increase that accelerated over time. DISCUSSION Midlife NAFLD shows associations with AD and accumulating vascular pathology, revealing potential pathways linking liver function to dementia. Plasma biomarkers of neuropathology and neuronal injury may serve as easily measurable and dynamic indicators for monitoring the impacts of impaired liver function on brain health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Lu
- From the Departments of Epidemiology (Y.L., C.A., S.E., G.H.) and Biostatistics (T.G.), Gillings School of Global Public Health and Departments of Genetics (L.R.) and Neurology (P.P.), School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC; Department of Epidemiology (J.R.P., E.S.), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD; Department of Medicine (R.H.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience (K.W.), National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD; and Department of Epidemiology and Prevention (M.M.M.), Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - James R Pike
- From the Departments of Epidemiology (Y.L., C.A., S.E., G.H.) and Biostatistics (T.G.), Gillings School of Global Public Health and Departments of Genetics (L.R.) and Neurology (P.P.), School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC; Department of Epidemiology (J.R.P., E.S.), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD; Department of Medicine (R.H.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience (K.W.), National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD; and Department of Epidemiology and Prevention (M.M.M.), Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Ron Hoogeveen
- From the Departments of Epidemiology (Y.L., C.A., S.E., G.H.) and Biostatistics (T.G.), Gillings School of Global Public Health and Departments of Genetics (L.R.) and Neurology (P.P.), School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC; Department of Epidemiology (J.R.P., E.S.), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD; Department of Medicine (R.H.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience (K.W.), National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD; and Department of Epidemiology and Prevention (M.M.M.), Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Keenan Walker
- From the Departments of Epidemiology (Y.L., C.A., S.E., G.H.) and Biostatistics (T.G.), Gillings School of Global Public Health and Departments of Genetics (L.R.) and Neurology (P.P.), School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC; Department of Epidemiology (J.R.P., E.S.), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD; Department of Medicine (R.H.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience (K.W.), National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD; and Department of Epidemiology and Prevention (M.M.M.), Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Laura Raffield
- From the Departments of Epidemiology (Y.L., C.A., S.E., G.H.) and Biostatistics (T.G.), Gillings School of Global Public Health and Departments of Genetics (L.R.) and Neurology (P.P.), School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC; Department of Epidemiology (J.R.P., E.S.), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD; Department of Medicine (R.H.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience (K.W.), National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD; and Department of Epidemiology and Prevention (M.M.M.), Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Elizabeth Selvin
- From the Departments of Epidemiology (Y.L., C.A., S.E., G.H.) and Biostatistics (T.G.), Gillings School of Global Public Health and Departments of Genetics (L.R.) and Neurology (P.P.), School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC; Department of Epidemiology (J.R.P., E.S.), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD; Department of Medicine (R.H.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience (K.W.), National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD; and Department of Epidemiology and Prevention (M.M.M.), Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Christy Avery
- From the Departments of Epidemiology (Y.L., C.A., S.E., G.H.) and Biostatistics (T.G.), Gillings School of Global Public Health and Departments of Genetics (L.R.) and Neurology (P.P.), School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC; Department of Epidemiology (J.R.P., E.S.), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD; Department of Medicine (R.H.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience (K.W.), National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD; and Department of Epidemiology and Prevention (M.M.M.), Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Stephanie Engel
- From the Departments of Epidemiology (Y.L., C.A., S.E., G.H.) and Biostatistics (T.G.), Gillings School of Global Public Health and Departments of Genetics (L.R.) and Neurology (P.P.), School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC; Department of Epidemiology (J.R.P., E.S.), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD; Department of Medicine (R.H.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience (K.W.), National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD; and Department of Epidemiology and Prevention (M.M.M.), Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Michelle M Mielke
- From the Departments of Epidemiology (Y.L., C.A., S.E., G.H.) and Biostatistics (T.G.), Gillings School of Global Public Health and Departments of Genetics (L.R.) and Neurology (P.P.), School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC; Department of Epidemiology (J.R.P., E.S.), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD; Department of Medicine (R.H.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience (K.W.), National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD; and Department of Epidemiology and Prevention (M.M.M.), Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Tanya Garcia
- From the Departments of Epidemiology (Y.L., C.A., S.E., G.H.) and Biostatistics (T.G.), Gillings School of Global Public Health and Departments of Genetics (L.R.) and Neurology (P.P.), School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC; Department of Epidemiology (J.R.P., E.S.), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD; Department of Medicine (R.H.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience (K.W.), National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD; and Department of Epidemiology and Prevention (M.M.M.), Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Gerardo Heiss
- From the Departments of Epidemiology (Y.L., C.A., S.E., G.H.) and Biostatistics (T.G.), Gillings School of Global Public Health and Departments of Genetics (L.R.) and Neurology (P.P.), School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC; Department of Epidemiology (J.R.P., E.S.), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD; Department of Medicine (R.H.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience (K.W.), National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD; and Department of Epidemiology and Prevention (M.M.M.), Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Priya Palta
- From the Departments of Epidemiology (Y.L., C.A., S.E., G.H.) and Biostatistics (T.G.), Gillings School of Global Public Health and Departments of Genetics (L.R.) and Neurology (P.P.), School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC; Department of Epidemiology (J.R.P., E.S.), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD; Department of Medicine (R.H.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience (K.W.), National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD; and Department of Epidemiology and Prevention (M.M.M.), Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
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Lu Y, Pike JR, Hoogeveen RC, Walker KA, Raffield LM, Selvin E, Avery CL, Engel SM, Mielke MM, Garcia T, Palta P. Liver integrity and the risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Alzheimers Dement 2024; 20:1913-1922. [PMID: 38153336 PMCID: PMC10947929 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We examined midlife (1990-1992, mean age 57) and late-life (2011-2013, mean age 75) nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and aminotransferase with incident dementia risk through 2019 in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study. METHODS We characterized NAFLD using the fatty liver index and fibrosis-4, and we categorized aminotransferase using the optimal equal-hazard ratio (HR) approach. We estimated HRs for incident dementia ascertained from multiple data sources. RESULTS Adjusted for demographics, alcohol consumption, and kidney function, individuals with low, intermediate, and high liver fibrosis in midlife (HRs: 1.45, 1.40, and 2.25, respectively), but not at older age, had higher dementia risks than individuals without fatty liver. A U-shaped association was observed for alanine aminotransferase with dementia risk, which was more pronounced in late-life assessment. DISCUSSION Our findings highlight dementia burden in high-prevalent NAFLD and the important feature of late-life aminotransaminase as a surrogate biomarker linking liver hypometabolism to dementia. Highlights Although evidence of liver involvement in dementia development has been documented in animal studies, the evidence in humans is limited. Midlife NAFLD raised dementia risk proportionate to severity. Late-life NAFLD was not associated with a high risk of dementia. Low alanine aminotransferase was associated with an elevated dementia risk, especially when measured in late life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Lu
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public HealthUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - James Russell Pike
- Department of Biostatistics, Gillings School of Global Public HealthUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
- Department of EpidemiologyJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Ron C. Hoogeveen
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of MedicineOne Baylor PlazaHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Keenan A. Walker
- Laboratory of Behavioral NeuroscienceNational Institute on AgingBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Laura M. Raffield
- Department of Genetics, School of MedicineUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Elizabeth Selvin
- Department of EpidemiologyJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Christy L. Avery
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public HealthUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Stephanie M. Engel
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public HealthUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Michelle M. Mielke
- Department of Epidemiology and PreventionWake Forest University School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Tanya Garcia
- Department of Biostatistics, Gillings School of Global Public HealthUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Priya Palta
- Department of Neurology, School of MedicineUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
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Li YS, Xia YG, Liu YL, Jiang WR, Qiu HN, Wu F, Li JB, Lin JN. Metabolic-dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease-related diseases, cognition and dementia: A two-sample mendelian randomization study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297883. [PMID: 38422093 PMCID: PMC10903857 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The results of current studies on metabolic-dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)-related diseases, cognition and dementia are inconsistent. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of MASLD-related diseases on cognition and dementia. METHODS By using single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with different traits of NAFLD (chronically elevated serum alanine aminotransferase levels [cALT], imaging-accessed and biopsy-proven NAFLD), metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, and liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, we employed three methods of mendelian randomization (MR) analysis (inverse-variance weighted [IVW], weighted median, and MR-Egger) to determine the causal relationships between MASLD-related diseases and cognition and dementia. We used Cochran's Q test to examine the heterogeneity, and MR-PRESSO was used to identify outliers (NbDistribution = 10000). The horizontal pleiotropy was evaluated using the MR-Egger intercept test. A leave-one-out analysis was used to assess the impact of individual SNP on the overall MR results. We also repeated the MR analysis after excluding SNPs associated with confounding factors. RESULTS The results of MR analysis suggested positive causal associations between MASLD confirmed by liver biopsy (p of IVW = 0.020, OR = 1.660, 95%CI = 1.082-2.546) and liver fibrosis and cirrhosis (p of IVW = 0.009, OR = 1.849, 95%CI = 1.169-2.922) with vascular dementia (VD). However, there was no evidence of a causal link between MASLD-related diseases and cognitive performance and other types of dementia (any dementia, Alzheimer's disease, dementia with lewy bodies, and frontotemporal dementia). Sensitivity tests supported the robustness of the results. CONCLUSIONS This two-sample MR analysis suggests that genetically predicted MASLD and liver fibrosis and cirrhosis may increase the VD risk. Nonetheless, the causal effects of NAFLD-related diseases on VD need more in-depth research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Shuang Li
- Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University Affiliated Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yu-Ge Xia
- Geriatric Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yan-Lan Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University Affiliated Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Wei-Ran Jiang
- Eastman Institute for Oral Health, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, United States of America
| | - Hui-Na Qiu
- Department of Endocrinology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University Affiliated Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Fan Wu
- Department of Endocrinology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University Affiliated Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jing-Bo Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University Affiliated Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jing-Na Lin
- Department of Endocrinology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University Affiliated Hospital, Tianjin, China
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Mao Z, Gao ZX, Ji T, Huan S, Yin GP, Chen L. Bidirectional two-sample mendelian randomization analysis identifies causal associations of MRI-based cortical thickness and surface area relation to NAFLD. Lipids Health Dis 2024; 23:58. [PMID: 38395962 PMCID: PMC10885469 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-024-02043-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients have exhibited extra-hepatic neurological changes, but the causes and mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigates the causal effect of NAFLD on cortical structure through bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis. METHODS Genetic data from 778,614 European individuals across four NAFLD studies were used to determine genetically predicted NAFLD. Abdominal MRI scans from 32,860 UK Biobank participants were utilized to evaluate genetically predicted liver fat and volume. Data from the ENIGMA Consortium, comprising 51,665 patients, were used to evaluate the associations between genetic susceptibility, NAFLD risk, liver fat, liver volume, and alterations in cortical thickness (TH) and surface area (SA). Inverse-variance weighted (IVW) estimation, Cochran Q, and MR-Egger were employed to assess heterogeneity and pleiotropy. RESULTS Overall, NAFLD did not significantly affect cortical SA or TH. However, potential associations were noted under global weighting, relating heightened NAFLD risk to reduced parahippocampal SA and decreased cortical TH in the caudal middle frontal, cuneus, lingual, and parstriangularis regions. Liver fat and volume also influenced the cortical structure of certain regions, although no Bonferroni-adjusted p-values reached significance. Two-step MR analysis revealed that liver fat, AST, and LDL levels mediated the impact of NAFLD on cortical structure. Multivariable MR analysis suggested that the impact of NAFLD on the cortical TH of lingual and parstriangularis was independent of BMI, obesity, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes. CONCLUSION This study provides evidence that NAFLD causally influences the cortical structure of the brain, suggesting the existence of a liver-brain axis in the development of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zun Mao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China
| | - Zhi-Xiang Gao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China
| | - Tong Ji
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China
| | - Sheng Huan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, P. R. China
| | - Guo-Ping Yin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Second Hospital, Nanjing, 210000, P. R. China.
| | - Long Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China.
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Kaya E, Yılmaz Y. Association of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease with Cognitive Impairment and All-Cause Dementia: A Comprehensive Review. THE TURKISH JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF TURKISH SOCIETY OF GASTROENTEROLOGY 2024; 35:76-82. [PMID: 38454238 PMCID: PMC10895887 DOI: 10.5152/tjg.2024.23629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a significant public health concern, affecting one-third of the global population and posing a risk for progressive liver disease. MAFLD is characterized by hepatic steatosis and impaired metabolic status, which not only impact the liver but also other systems of the human body, making it a multisystemic disorder. Emerging evidence suggests that MAFLD and its associated pathological pathways may contribute to cognitive impairment, potentially through neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Studies have detected cognitive impairment in patients with MAFLD using magnetic resonance imaging, which revealed decreased brain volume and cerebral perfusion, in addition to self-reported cognitive tests. While numerous studies have demonstrated an association between MAFLD and cognitive impairment, the relationship between MAFLD and all-cause dementia remains controversial. However, the shared pathological pathways between MAFLD and dementia, such as systemic inflammation, insulin resistance, gut dysbiosis, hyperammonemia, and vascular dysfunction, indicate the possibility of a common prevention strategy for both diseases. In this review, we provide a summary of the current evidence regarding the association between cognitive impairment, all-cause dementia, and MAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eda Kaya
- Division of Medicine, Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Universitätsklinikum Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bochum, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Yusuf Yılmaz
- Department of Gastroenterology, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University School of Medicine, Rize, Turkey
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Lin YK, Cai XR, Chen JZ, Hong HJ, Tu K, Chen YL, Du Q. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease causally affects the brain cortical structure: a Mendelian randomization study. Front Neurosci 2024; 17:1305624. [PMID: 38260009 PMCID: PMC10800802 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1305624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Reduced brain volume, impaired cognition, and possibly a range of psychoneurological disorders have been reported in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); however, no underlying cause has been specified. Here, Mendelian randomization (MR) was employed to determine the causative NAFLD effects on cortical structure. Methods We used pooled-level data from FinnGen's published genome-wide association study (GWAS) of NAFLD (1908 cases and 340,591 healthy controls), as well as published GWAS with NAFLD activity score (NAS) and fibrosis stage-associated SNPs as genetic tools, in addition to the Enigma Consortium data from 51,665 patients, were used to assess genetic susceptibility in relation to changes with cortical thickness (TH) and surface area (SA). A main estimate was made by means of inverse variance weighted (IVW), while heterogeneity and pleiotropy were detected using MR-Egger, weighted median, and MR Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier to perform a two-sample MR analysis. Results At the global level, NAFLD reduced SA (beta = -586.72 mm2, se = 217.73, p = 0.007) and several changes in the cortical structure of the cerebral gyrus were found, with no detectable pleiotropy. Conclusion NAFLD causally affects cortical structures, which supports the presence of an intricate liver-brain axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Kai Lin
- Department of Hepatological Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Medical University Cancer Center, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xin-Ran Cai
- Department of Hepatological Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Medical University Cancer Center, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jiang-Zhi Chen
- Department of Hepatological Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Medical University Cancer Center, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hai-Jie Hong
- Department of Hepatological Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Medical University Cancer Center, Fuzhou, China
| | - Kai Tu
- Department of Hepatological Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Medical University Cancer Center, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yan-Ling Chen
- Department of Hepatological Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Medical University Cancer Center, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qiang Du
- Department of Hepatological Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Medical University Cancer Center, Fuzhou, China
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Miao Y, Zhang B, Sun X, Ma X, Fang D, Zhang W, Wu T, Xu X, Yu C, Hou Y, Ding Q, Yang S, Fu L, Zhang Z, Bi Y. The Presence and Severity of NAFLD are Associated With Cognitive Impairment and Hippocampal Damage. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 108:3239-3249. [PMID: 37310344 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Although cognitive impairment in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has received attention in recent years, little is known about detailed cognitive functions in histologically diagnosed individuals. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the association of liver pathological changes with cognitive features and further explore the underlying brain manifestations. METHODS AND PATIENTS We performed a cross-sectional study in 320 subjects who underwent liver biopsy. Among the enrolled participants, 225 underwent assessments of global cognition and cognitive subdomains. Furthermore, 70 individuals received functional magnetic resonance imaging scans for neuroimaging evaluations. The associations among liver histological features, brain alterations, and cognitive functions were evaluated using structural equation model. RESULTS Compared with controls, patients with NAFLD had poorer immediate memory and delayed memory. Severe liver steatosis (odds ratio, 2.189; 95% CI, 1.020-4.699) and ballooning (OR, 3.655; 95% CI, 1.419-9.414) were related to a higher proportion of memory impairment. Structural magnetic resonance imaging showed that patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis exhibited volume loss in left hippocampus and its subregions of subiculum and presubiculum. Task-based magnetic resonance imaging showed that patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis had decreased left hippocampal activation. Path analysis demonstrated that higher NAFLD activity scores were associated with lower subiculum volume and reduced hippocampal activation, and such hippocampal damage contributed to lower delayed memory scores. CONCLUSIONS We are the first to report the presence and severity of NAFLD to be associated with an increased risk of memory impairment and hippocampal structural and functional abnormalities. These findings stress the significance of early cognitive evaluation in patients with NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingwen Miao
- Department of Endocrinology, Endocrine and Metabolic Disease Medical Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
- Branch of National Clinical Research Centre for Metabolic Diseases, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Bing Zhang
- Department of Radiology, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Xitai Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Xuelin Ma
- Department of Endocrinology, Endocrine and Metabolic Disease Medical Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
- Branch of National Clinical Research Centre for Metabolic Diseases, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Da Fang
- Department of Endocrinology, Endocrine and Metabolic Disease Medical Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
- Branch of National Clinical Research Centre for Metabolic Diseases, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Radiology, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Tianyu Wu
- Department of Endocrinology, Endocrine and Metabolic Disease Medical Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
- Branch of National Clinical Research Centre for Metabolic Diseases, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Xiang Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, Endocrine and Metabolic Disease Medical Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
- Branch of National Clinical Research Centre for Metabolic Diseases, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Congcong Yu
- Department of Endocrinology, Endocrine and Metabolic Disease Medical Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
- Branch of National Clinical Research Centre for Metabolic Diseases, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Yinjiao Hou
- Department of Endocrinology, Endocrine and Metabolic Disease Medical Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
- Branch of National Clinical Research Centre for Metabolic Diseases, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Qun Ding
- Department of Endocrinology, Endocrine and Metabolic Disease Medical Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
- Branch of National Clinical Research Centre for Metabolic Diseases, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Sijue Yang
- Department of Endocrinology, Endocrine and Metabolic Disease Medical Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
- Branch of National Clinical Research Centre for Metabolic Diseases, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Linqing Fu
- Department of Radiology, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Zhou Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Endocrine and Metabolic Disease Medical Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
- Branch of National Clinical Research Centre for Metabolic Diseases, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Yan Bi
- Department of Endocrinology, Endocrine and Metabolic Disease Medical Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
- Branch of National Clinical Research Centre for Metabolic Diseases, Nanjing 210008, China
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Zhang H, Fareeduddin Mohammed Farooqui H, Zhu W, Niu T, Zhang Z, Zhang H. Impact of insulin resistance on mild cognitive impairment in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Diabetol Metab Syndr 2023; 15:229. [PMID: 37950317 PMCID: PMC10636824 DOI: 10.1186/s13098-023-01211-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Insulin resistance (IR) is a pivotal factor in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Nevertheless, the impact of IR on cognitive dysfunction in T2DM patients with NAFLD remains inadequately understood. We aim to investigate the effect of IR on mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in T2DM individuals with NAFLD. MATERIALS AND METHODS 143 T2DM individuals were categorized into Non-MCI and MCI groups, as well as Non-NAFLD and NAFLD groups. Clinical parameters and cognitive preference test outcomes were compared. Correlation and regression analyses were executed to explore the interconnections between IR and cognitive details across all T2DM patients, as well as within the subgroup of individuals with NAFLD. RESULTS In comparison to the Non-MCI group, the MCI group displayed elevated HOMA-IR levels. Similarly, the NAFLD group exhibited higher HOMA-IR levels compared to the Non-NAFLD group. Additionally, a higher prevalence of MCI was observed in the NAFLD group as opposed to the Non-NAFLD group. Notably, HOMA-IR levels were correlated with Verbal Fluency Test (VFT) and Trail Making Test-B (TMTB) scores, both related to executive functions. Elevated HOMA-IR emerged as a risk factor for MCI in the all patients. Intriguingly, increased HOMA-IR not only correlated with TMTB scores but also demonstrated an influence on TMTA scores, reflecting information processing speed function in patients with NAFLD. CONCLUSION IR emerges as a contributory factor to cognitive dysfunction in T2DM patients. Furthermore, it appears to underlie impaired executive function and information processing speed function in T2DM individuals with NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Rare Diseases, Endocrinology and Metabolism Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology,, Luoyang, China
| | | | - Wenwen Zhu
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tong Niu
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Centre for Leading Medicine and Advanced Technologies of IHM, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Haoqiang Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Centre for Leading Medicine and Advanced Technologies of IHM, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
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11
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Mai Z, Mao H. Causal effects of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease on cerebral cortical structure: a Mendelian randomization analysis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1276576. [PMID: 38027213 PMCID: PMC10646496 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1276576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Previous studies have highlighted changes in the cerebral cortical structure and cognitive function among nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients. However, the impact of NAFLD on cerebral cortical structure and specific affected brain regions remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to explore the potential causal relationship between NAFLD and cerebral cortical structure. Methods We conducted a Mendelian randomization (MR) study using genetic predictors of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), NAFLD, and percent liver fat (PLF) and combined them with genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics from the ENIGMA Consortium. Several methods were used to assess the effect of NAFLD on full cortex and specific brain regions, along with sensitivity analyses. Results At the global level, PLF nominally decreased SA of full cortex; at the functional level, ALT presented a nominal association with reduced SA of parahippocampal gyrus, TH of pars opercularis, TH of pars orbitalis, and TH of pericalcarine cortex. Besides, NAFLD presented a nominal association with reduced SA of parahippocampal gyrus, TH of pars opercularis, TH of pars triangularis and TH of pericalcarine cortex, but increased TH of entorhinal cortex, lateral orbitofrontal cortex and temporal pole. Furthermore, PLF presented a nominal association with reduced SA of parahippocampal gyrus, TH of pars opercularis, TH of cuneus and lingual gyrus, but increased TH of entorhinal cortex. Conclusion NAFLD is suggestively associated with atrophy in specific functional regions of the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiliang Mai
- Department of Digestive Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Anatomy, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Hua Mao
- Department of Digestive Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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12
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Shu K, Ye X, Song J, Huang X, Cui S, Zhou Y, Liu X, Han L, Yan Z, Liu K. Disruption of brain regional homogeneity and functional connectivity in male NAFLD: evidence from a pilot resting-state fMRI study. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:629. [PMID: 37644430 PMCID: PMC10463794 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05071-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The neurophysiological mechanisms underlying cognitive deficits in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remain unknown. Cognitive changes may be caused by brain alterations in neural activity and functional connectivity (FC). AIM This study aims to investigate the alterations between spontaneous brain neural activity and FC in male NAFLD patients and the relationship of neural activity with cognitive performance. METHODS In this prospective study, 33 male pre-cirrhosis NAFLD subjects and 20 male controls matched for age, education level, and body mass index. All participants underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scans and neuropsychological examinations. Regional homogeneity (ReHo) analysis was used to investigate the brain function in NAFLD, and regions with significantly altered ReHo were selected as seeds for subsequent FC analysis. Partial correlation analysis was used to assess the relationships between altered ReHo measures and cognitive performance indicators. RESULTS Compared with the controls, the NAFLD patients showed increased ReHo in the opercular part of the right inferior frontal gyrus (IFGoperc) and decreased ReHo in the right middle frontal gyrus (MFG) and left superior parietal gyrus (SPG). The subsequent FC analysis showed increased FC between these regions (right IFGoperc, right MFG, and left SPG) and nodes of the default mode network (DMN) (such as left supraMarginal, left median cingulate and paracingulate gyri, left precuneus, orbital part of left medial frontal gyrus, and bilateral posterior cingulate gyrus). In addition, significant positive correlations were observed between NAFLD patients' clock drawing test scores and altered ReHo in prefrontal cortices (right IFGoperc and right MFG). CONCLUSION Before developing cirrhosis, NAFLD patients showed altered neural activity in several brain regions and altered FC between the salience network and DMN. These alterations could potentially be a compensatory mechanism to maintain cognitive function in pre-cirrhosis NAFLD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Shu
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Xinjian Ye
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Jiawen Song
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Xiaoyan Huang
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Shihan Cui
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Yongjin Zhou
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Xiaozheng Liu
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Lu Han
- Philips Healthcare, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhihan Yan
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
| | - Kun Liu
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
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13
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McDonough DJ, Mathew M, Pope ZC, Schreiner PJ, Jacobs DR, VanWagner LB, Carr JJ, Terry JG, Gabriel KP, Reis JP, Pereira MA. Aerobic and Muscle-Strengthening Physical Activity, Television Viewing, and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: The CARDIA Study. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5603. [PMID: 37685671 PMCID: PMC10488389 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12175603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in U.S. adults is over 30%, yet the role of lifestyle factors in the etiology of NAFLD remains understudied. We examined the associations of physical activity, by intensity and type, and television viewing with prevalent NAFLD. METHODS Cross-sectional analysis of a population-based sample of 2726 Black (49%) and White (51%) adults (Mean (SD) age, 50 (3.6) years; 57.3% female) from the CARDIA study. Exposures were aerobic activity by intensity (moderate, vigorous; hours/week); activity type (aerobic, muscle-strengthening; hours/week); and television viewing (hours/week), examined concurrently in all models and assessed by validated questionnaires. Our outcome was NAFLD (liver attenuation < 51 Hounsfield Units), measured by non-contrast computed tomography, after exclusions for other causes of liver fat. Covariates were sex, age, race, study center, education, diet quality, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and body mass index or waist circumference. RESULTS 648 participants had NAFLD. In the fully adjusted modified Poisson regression model, the risk ratios per interquartile range of each exposure were moderate-intensity aerobic activity, 1.10 (95% CI, 0.97-1.26); vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, 0.72 (0.63-0.82); muscle-strengthening activity, 0.89 (0.80-1.01); and television viewing, 1.20 (1.10-1.32). Relative to less active participants with higher levels of television viewing, those who participated in ≥2 h/week of both vigorous-intensity aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity and <7 h/week of television viewing had 65% lower risk of NAFLD (risk ratio = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.23-0.51). CONCLUSION Adults who follow public health recommendations for vigorous-aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity, as well as minimize television viewing, are considerably less likely to have NAFLD than those who do not follow the recommendations and who have relatively high levels of television viewing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. McDonough
- Division of Epidemiology & Community Health, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (M.M.); (P.J.S.); (D.R.J.J.); (M.A.P.)
| | - Mahesh Mathew
- Division of Epidemiology & Community Health, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (M.M.); (P.J.S.); (D.R.J.J.); (M.A.P.)
| | - Zachary C. Pope
- Well Living Lab, Rochester, NY 55902, USA;
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, NY 14625, USA
| | - Pamela J. Schreiner
- Division of Epidemiology & Community Health, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (M.M.); (P.J.S.); (D.R.J.J.); (M.A.P.)
| | - David R. Jacobs
- Division of Epidemiology & Community Health, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (M.M.); (P.J.S.); (D.R.J.J.); (M.A.P.)
| | - Lisa B. VanWagner
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA;
| | - John Jeffrey Carr
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (J.J.C.); (J.G.T.)
| | - James G. Terry
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (J.J.C.); (J.G.T.)
| | - Kelley Pettee Gabriel
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA;
| | - Jared P. Reis
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
| | - Mark A. Pereira
- Division of Epidemiology & Community Health, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (M.M.); (P.J.S.); (D.R.J.J.); (M.A.P.)
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14
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Nguyen HH, Swain MG. Avenues within the gut-liver-brain axis linking chronic liver disease and symptoms. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1171253. [PMID: 37521690 PMCID: PMC10372440 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1171253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Symptoms of fatigue, social withdrawal and mood disturbances are commonly encountered in patients with chronic liver disease and have a detrimental effect on patient quality of life. Treatment options for these symptoms are limited and a current area of unmet medical need. In this review, we will evaluate the potential mechanistic avenues within the gut-liver-brain axis that may be altered in the setting of chronic liver disease that drive the development of these symptoms. Both clinical and pre-clinical studies will be highlighted as we discuss how perturbations in host immune response, microbiome, neural responses, and metabolites composition can affect the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry H. Nguyen
- University of Calgary Liver Unit, Departments of Medicine and Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Mark G. Swain
- University of Calgary Liver Unit, Department of Medicine, Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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15
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Hatano Y, VanWagner LB, Carnethon MR, Bancks MP, Carson AP, Lloyd-Jones DM, Østbye T, Viera AJ, Yano Y. Racial difference in the association between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and incident type 2 diabetes: findings from the CARDIA study. Diabetologia 2023; 66:1235-1246. [PMID: 36941389 PMCID: PMC10286118 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-023-05903-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS Type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are prevalent diseases of metabolic origin. We examined the association between NAFLD and the development of type 2 diabetes among non-Asian adults, and whether the association differs by race. METHODS We analysed data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study, a population-based prospective cohort study. Participants underwent non-contrast abdominal computed tomography (CT) at baseline (2010-2011) and assessment of glucose measures at the follow-up exam (2015-2016). NAFLD was defined as liver attenuation ≤51 Hounsfield units on CT images after exclusion for other liver fat causes. Race was self-reported. We used targeted maximum likelihood estimation (TMLE) with machine-learning algorithms to estimate difference in type 2 diabetes risk between the NAFLD and non-NAFLD groups. RESULTS Of the 1995 participants without type 2 diabetes at baseline (mean age±SD, 50.0±3.6 years; 59% women; 55.0% White and 45.0% Black), 21.7% of White and 16.8% of Black participants had NAFLD at baseline, and 3.7% of White and 8.0% of Black participants developed type 2 diabetes at follow up. After multivariable adjustment, risk difference for type 2 diabetes associated with NAFLD vs no NAFLD was 4.1% (95% CI 0.3%, 7.9%) among White participants and -1.9% (95% CI -5.7%, 2.0%) in Black participants. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION NAFLD was associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes among White participants but not among Black participants. This finding suggests that the effect of liver fat on impaired glucose metabolism may be smaller in Black than in White individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Hatano
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Lisa B VanWagner
- Division of Digestive Liver Diseases, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Mercedes R Carnethon
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Michael P Bancks
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - April P Carson
- Department of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Donald M Lloyd-Jones
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Truls Østbye
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Anthony J Viera
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Yuichiro Yano
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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16
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Boccara E, Golan S, Beeri MS. The association between regional adiposity, cognitive function, and dementia-related brain changes: a systematic review. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1160426. [PMID: 37457589 PMCID: PMC10349176 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1160426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Adiposity has been previously associated with cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease and related disorders (ADRD). Body mass index (BMI) is the most common measure of global adiposity, but inconsistent results were found since it is a global measurement. BMI does not represent regional fat distribution which differs between sexes, race, and age. Regional fat distribution may contribute differently to cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease (AD)-related brain changes. Fat-specific targeted therapies could lead to personalized improvement of cognition. The goal of this systematic review is to explore whether regional fat depots, rather than central obesity, should be used to understand the mechanism underlying the association between adiposity and brain. Methods This systematic review included 33 studies in the English language, conducted in humans aged 18 years and over with assessment of regional adiposity, cognitive function, dementia, and brain measures. We included only studies that have assessed regional adiposity using imaging technics and excluded studies that were review articles, abstract only or letters to editor. Studies on children and adolescents, animal studies, and studies of patients with gastrointestinal diseases were excluded. PubMed, PsychInfo and web of science were used as electronic databases for literature search until November 2022. Results Based on the currently available literature, the findings suggest that different regional fat depots are likely associated with increased risk of cognitive impairment, brain changes and dementia, especially AD. However, different regional fat depots can have different cognitive outcomes and affect the brain differently. Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) was the most studied regional fat, along with liver fat through non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Pancreatic fat was the least studied regional fat. Conclusion Regional adiposity, which is modifiable, may explain discrepancies in associations of global adiposity, brain, and cognition. Specific regional fat depots lead to abnormal secretion of adipose factors which in turn may penetrate the blood brain barrier leading to brain damage and to cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethel Boccara
- Department of Psychology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
- The Joseph Sagol Neuroscience Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel HaShomer, Israel
| | - Sapir Golan
- The Joseph Sagol Neuroscience Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel HaShomer, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Michal Schnaider Beeri
- The Joseph Sagol Neuroscience Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel HaShomer, Israel
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
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17
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Yilmaz P, Alferink LJM, Cremers LGM, Murad SD, Niessen WJ, Ikram MA, Vernooij MW. Subclinical liver traits are associated with structural and hemodynamic brain imaging markers. Liver Int 2023; 43:1256-1268. [PMID: 36801835 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Impaired liver function affects brain health and therefore understanding potential mechanisms for subclinical liver disease is essential. We assessed the liver-brain associations using liver measures with brain imaging markers, and cognitive measures in the general population. METHODS Within the population-based Rotterdam Study, liver serum and imaging measures (ultrasound and transient elastography), metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and fibrosis phenotypes, and brain structure were determined in 3493 non-demented and stroke-free participants in 2009-2014. This resulted in subgroups of n = 3493 for MAFLD (mean age 69 ± 9 years, 56% ♀), n = 2938 for NAFLD (mean age 70 ± 9 years, 56% ♀) and n = 2252 for fibrosis (mean age 65 ± 7 years, 54% ♀). Imaging markers of small vessel disease and neurodegeneration, cerebral blood flow (CBF) and brain perfusion (BP) were acquired from brain MRI (1.5-tesla). General cognitive function was assessed by Mini-Mental State Examination and the g-factor. Multiple linear and logistic regression models were used for liver-brain associations and adjusted for age, sex, intracranial volume, cardiovascular risk factors and alcohol use. RESULTS Higher gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) levels were significantly associated with smaller total brain volume (TBV, standardized mean difference (SMD), -0.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) (-0.03 to -0.01); p = 8.4·10-4 ), grey matter volumes, and lower CBF and BP. Liver serum measures were not related to small vessel disease markers, nor to white matter microstructural integrity or general cognition. Participants with ultrasound-based liver steatosis had a higher fractional anisotropy (FA, SMD 0.11, 95% CI (0.04 to 0.17), p = 1.5·10-3 ) and lower CBF and BP. MAFLD and NAFLD phenotypes were associated with alterations in white matter microstructural integrity (NAFLD ~ FA, SMD 0.14, 95% CI (0.07 to 0.22), p = 1.6·10-4 ; NAFLD ~ mean diffusivity, SMD -0.12, 95% CI (-0.18 to -0.05), p = 4.7·10-4 ) and also with lower CBF and BP (MAFLD ~ CBF, SMD -0.13, 95% CI (-0.20 to -0.06), p = 3.1·10-4 ; MAFLD ~ BP, SMD -0.12, 95% CI (-0.20 to -0.05), p = 1.6·10-3 ). Furthermore, fibrosis phenotypes were related to TBV, grey and white matter volumes. CONCLUSIONS Presence of liver steatosis, fibrosis and elevated serum GGT are associated with structural and hemodynamic brain markers in a population-based cross-sectional setting. Understanding the hepatic role in brain changes can target modifiable factors and prevent brain dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinar Yilmaz
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Louise J M Alferink
- Departments of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lotte G M Cremers
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sarwa D Murad
- Departments of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Wiro J Niessen
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands
| | - M Arfan Ikram
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Meike W Vernooij
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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18
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Hadjihambi A, Konstantinou C, Klohs J, Monsorno K, Le Guennec A, Donnelly C, Cox IJ, Kusumbe A, Hosford PS, Soffientini U, Lecca S, Mameli M, Jalan R, Paolicelli RC, Pellerin L. Partial MCT1 invalidation protects against diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and the associated brain dysfunction. J Hepatol 2023; 78:180-190. [PMID: 35995127 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been associated with mild cerebral dysfunction and cognitive decline, although the exact pathophysiological mechanism remains ambiguous. Using a diet-induced model of NAFLD and monocarboxylate transporter-1 (Mct1+/-) haploinsufficient mice, which resist high-fat diet-induced hepatic steatosis, we investigated the hypothesis that NAFLD leads to an encephalopathy by altering cognition, behaviour, and cerebral physiology. We also proposed that global MCT1 downregulation offers cerebral protection. METHODS Behavioural tests were performed in mice following 16 weeks of control diet (normal chow) or high-fat diet with high fructose/glucose in water. Tissue oxygenation, cerebrovascular reactivity, and cerebral blood volume were monitored under anaesthesia by multispectral optoacoustic tomography and optical fluorescence. Cortical mitochondrial oxygen consumption and respiratory capacities were measured using ex vivo high-resolution respirometry. Microglial and astrocytic changes were evaluated by immunofluorescence and 3D reconstructions. Body composition was assessed using EchoMRI, and liver steatosis was confirmed by histology. RESULTS NAFLD concomitant with obesity is associated with anxiety- and depression-related behaviour. Low-grade brain tissue hypoxia was observed, likely attributed to the low-grade brain inflammation and decreased cerebral blood volume. It is also accompanied by microglial and astrocytic morphological and metabolic alterations (higher oxygen consumption), suggesting the early stages of an obesogenic diet-induced encephalopathy. Mct1 haploinsufficient mice, despite fat accumulation in adipose tissue, were protected from NAFLD and associated cerebral alterations. CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence of compromised brain health in obesity and NAFLD, emphasising the importance of the liver-brain axis. The protective effect of Mct1 haploinsufficiency points to this protein as a novel therapeutic target for preventing and/or treating NAFLD and the associated brain dysfunction. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS This study is focused on unravelling the pathophysiological mechanism by which cerebral dysfunction and cognitive decline occurs during NAFLD and exploring the potential of monocarboxylate transporter-1 (MCT1) as a novel preventive or therapeutic target. Our findings point to NAFLD as a serious health risk and its adverse impact on the brain as a potential global health system and economic burden. These results highlight the utility of Mct1 transgenic mice as a model for NAFLD and associated brain dysfunction and call for systematic screening by physicians for early signs of psychological symptoms, and an awareness by individuals at risk of these potential neurological effects. This study is expected to bring attention to the need for early diagnosis and treatment of NAFLD, while having a direct impact on policies worldwide regarding the health risk associated with NAFLD, and its prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Hadjihambi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; The Roger Williams Institute of Hepatology London, Foundation for Liver Research, London, UK; Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Christos Konstantinou
- The Roger Williams Institute of Hepatology London, Foundation for Liver Research, London, UK; Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Jan Klohs
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Centre Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Katia Monsorno
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Chris Donnelly
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Institute of Sports Science, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - I Jane Cox
- The Roger Williams Institute of Hepatology London, Foundation for Liver Research, London, UK; Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Anjali Kusumbe
- Tissue and Tumor Microenvironments Group, MRC Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Patrick S Hosford
- Centre for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Neuroscience, Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ugo Soffientini
- The Roger Williams Institute of Hepatology London, Foundation for Liver Research, London, UK; Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Salvatore Lecca
- The Department of Fundamental Neuroscience, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Mameli
- The Department of Fundamental Neuroscience, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Inserm, UMR-S 839, Paris, France
| | - Rajiv Jalan
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Division of Medicine, UCL Medical School, Royal Free Hospital, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Luc Pellerin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Inserm U1313, Université de Poitiers et CHU de Poitiers, France.
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19
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McCracken C, Raisi-Estabragh Z, Veldsman M, Raman B, Dennis A, Husain M, Nichols TE, Petersen SE, Neubauer S. Multi-organ imaging demonstrates the heart-brain-liver axis in UK Biobank participants. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7839. [PMID: 36543768 PMCID: PMC9772225 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35321-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Medical imaging provides numerous insights into the subclinical changes that precede serious diseases such as heart disease and dementia. However, most imaging research either describes a single organ system or draws on clinical cohorts with small sample sizes. In this study, we use state-of-the-art multi-organ magnetic resonance imaging phenotypes to investigate cross-sectional relationships across the heart-brain-liver axis in 30,444 UK Biobank participants. Despite controlling for an extensive range of demographic and clinical covariates, we find significant associations between imaging-derived phenotypes of the heart (left ventricular structure, function and aortic distensibility), brain (brain volumes, white matter hyperintensities and white matter microstructure), and liver (liver fat, liver iron and fibroinflammation). Simultaneous three-organ modelling identifies differentially important pathways across the heart-brain-liver axis with evidence of both direct and indirect associations. This study describes a potentially cumulative burden of multiple-organ dysfunction and provides essential insight into multi-organ disease prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celeste McCracken
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, National Institute for Health Research Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Zahra Raisi-Estabragh
- William Harvey Research Institute, NIHR Barts Biomedical Research Centre, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK.
- Barts Heart Centre, St Bartholomew's Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, West Smithfield, London, EC1A 7BE, UK.
| | - Michele Veldsman
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging (WIN FMRIB), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Betty Raman
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, National Institute for Health Research Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Andrea Dennis
- Perspectum Ltd, Gemini One, 5520 John Smith Drive, Oxford, OX4 2LL, UK
| | - Masud Husain
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging (WIN FMRIB), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Thomas E Nichols
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging (WIN FMRIB), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, Oxford Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Steffen E Petersen
- William Harvey Research Institute, NIHR Barts Biomedical Research Centre, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
- Barts Heart Centre, St Bartholomew's Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, West Smithfield, London, EC1A 7BE, UK
- Health Data Research UK, London, UK
- The Alan Turing Institute, London, UK
| | - Stefan Neubauer
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, National Institute for Health Research Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
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20
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Cheon SY, Song J. Novel insights into non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and dementia: insulin resistance, hyperammonemia, gut dysbiosis, vascular impairment, and inflammation. Cell Biosci 2022; 12:99. [PMID: 35765060 PMCID: PMC9237975 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-022-00836-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a metabolic disease characterized by multiple pathologies. The progression of dementia with NAFLD may be affected by various risk factors, including brain insulin resistance, cerebrovascular dysfunction, gut dysbiosis, and neuroinflammation. Many recent studies have focused on the increasing prevalence of dementia in patients with NAFLD. Dementia is characterized by cognitive and memory deficits and has diverse subtypes, including vascular dementia, Alzheimer’s dementia, and diabetes mellitus-induced dementia. Considering the common pathological features of NAFLD and dementia, further studies on the association between them are needed to find appropriate therapeutic solutions for diseases. This review summarizes the common pathological characteristics and mechanisms of NAFLD and dementia. Additionally, it describes recent evidence on association between NAFLD and dementia progression and provides novel perspectives with regard to the treatment of patients with dementia secondary to NAFLD.
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21
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Montagnese S, Rautou PE, Romero-Gómez M, Larsen FS, Shawcross DL, Thabut D, Vilstrup H, Weissenborn K. EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on the management of hepatic encephalopathy. J Hepatol 2022; 77:807-824. [PMID: 35724930 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 64.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) on the management of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) present evidence-based answers to a set of relevant questions (where possible, formulated in PICO [patient/population, intervention, comparison and outcomes] format) on the definition, diagnosis, differential diagnosis and treatment of HE. The document does not cover the pathophysiology of HE and does not cover all available treatment options. The methods through which it was developed and any information relevant to its interpretation are also provided.
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22
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Basu E, Mehta M, Zhang C, Zhao C, Rosenblatt R, Tapper EB, Parikh NS. Association of chronic liver disease with cognition and brain volumes in two randomized controlled trial populations. J Neurol Sci 2022; 434:120117. [PMID: 34959080 PMCID: PMC8957528 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2021.120117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE We examined the association of chronic liver disease with cognition and brain imaging markers of cognitive impairment using data from two large randomized controlled trials that included participants based on diabetes and hypertension, two common systemic risk factors for cognitive impairment and dementia. METHODS We performed post hoc analyses using data from the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) and Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) studies, which included participants with diabetes and hypertension, respectively. Data were from the NHLBI Biologic Specimen and Data Repository Information Coordinating Center. In ACCORD, our measure of chronic liver disease was the Dallas Steatosis Index (DSI). In SPRINT, we used self-reported chronic liver disease. We used linear regression to evaluate the association between the measure of chronic liver disease and both baseline and longitudinal cognitive test performance and brain magnetic resonance imaging volume measurements. RESULTS Among 2969 diabetic participants in ACCORD, the mean age of participants was 62 years, 47% were women. The median DSI was 1.0 (IQR, 0.2-1.8); a DSI of 1.0 corresponds to approximately a > 70% probability of having NAFLD. Among 2890 hypertensive participants in SPRINT, the mean age was 68 years, and 37% were women, and 60 (2.1%) had chronic liver disease. There were no consistent associations between liver disease and cognitive performance or brain volumes at baseline or longitudinally after adjustment. CONCLUSION Markers of chronic liver disease were not associated with cognitive impairment or related brain imaging markers among individuals with diabetes and hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elora Basu
- Clinical and Translational Neuroscience Unit, Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute and Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Manaav Mehta
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Cenai Zhang
- Clinical and Translational Neuroscience Unit, Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute and Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chen Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, and Department of Public Health Sciences, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | | | - Elliot B Tapper
- Department of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Neal S Parikh
- Clinical and Translational Neuroscience Unit, Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute and Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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23
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Liu Q, Liu C, Hu F, Deng X, Zhang Y. Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Longitudinal Cognitive Changes in Middle-Aged and Elderly Adults. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 8:738835. [PMID: 35111769 PMCID: PMC8803120 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.738835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and PurposeNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and cognitive impairment are common aging-related disorders. This study aims to explore the changes of cognitive function in middle-aged and elderly population with NAFLD from a Jidong impairment cohort.MethodsA total of 1,651 middle-aged and elderly participants (>40 years) without cognitive impairment were recruited into the current study in 2015 and were followed up until to 2019. Abdominal ultrasonography was used for diagnosis of NAFLD. Global cognitive function was assessed with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Cognitive impairment was defined as a score <18 for illiterates, a score <21 for primary school graduates, and a score <25 for junior school graduates or above. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between NAFLD and the four-year cognitive changes.ResultsOut of 1,651 participants, 795 (48.2%) of them had NAFLD in 2015. Cognitive impairment occurred in 241 (14.6%) participants in 2019. Patients with NAFLD had higher 4-year incidence of cognitive impairment than non-NAFLD patients did (17.7 vs. 11.7%, p < 0.001). Multivariable linear regression analysis showed significant association of baseline NAFLD with lower MMSE score in 2019 (β = −0.36, p < 0.05). Multivariable logistic analysis found that the adjusted odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) of baseline NAFLD was 1.45 (1.00–2.11) for cognitive impairment in 2019 (p = 0.05). We also identified effects of baseline NAFLD on subsequent cognitive impairment as modified by age (interaction p < 0.01) and carotid stenosis (interaction p = 0.05) but not by gender.ConclusionsNAFLD is associated with cognitive decline, especially in middle-aged and with carotid stenosis population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Liu
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Feifei Hu
- Clinical Research Institute, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuan Deng
- Clinical Research Institute, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yumei Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yumei Zhang
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24
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Lu L, Chen C, Li Y, Guo W, Zhang S, Brockman J, Shikany JM, Kahe K. Magnesium intake is inversely associated with risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease among American adults. Eur J Nutr 2021; 61:1245-1254. [PMID: 34741649 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-021-02732-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Human data are limited linking magnesium (Mg) intake to the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We aimed to examine the association between Mg intake and the risk of NAFLD among young adults in the US with a 25-year follow-up. METHODS This study included 2685 participants from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adult (CARDIA) study. Diet and dietary supplements were assessed at baseline (1985-1986) and exam years 7 and 20 using an interview-based dietary history. NAFLD, defined as liver attenuation ≤ 51 Hounsfield Units excluding secondary causes of liver fat accumulation, was identified by non-contrast-computed tomography scanning at exam year 25. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression model was used to examine the associations between cumulative average total intake of Mg (dietary plus supplemental) and NAFLD odds. RESULTS A total of 629 NAFLD cases were documented. After adjustment for potential confounders, an inverse association between total Mg intake and NAFLD odds was observed. Compared to participants in the lowest quintile of total Mg intake, the odds of NAFLD was 55% lower among individuals in the highest quintile [multivariable-adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 0.45, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.23, 0.85), p for trend = 0.03]. Consistently, whole-grain consumption, a major dietary source of Mg, was inversely associated with NAFLD odds (p for trend = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that higher cumulative intake of Mg throughout adulthood is associated with lower odds of NAFLD in midlife. Future studies are needed to establish a possible causal relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Cheng Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yuexia Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Wenzhi Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Shuijun Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - John Brockman
- Department of Chemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - James M Shikany
- Division of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Ka Kahe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
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25
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Cerebrovascular alterations in NAFLD: Is it increasing our risk of Alzheimer's disease? Anal Biochem 2021; 636:114387. [PMID: 34537182 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2021.114387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a multisystem disease, which has been classified as an emerging epidemic not only confined to liver-related morbidity and mortality. It is also becoming apparent that NAFLD is associated with moderate cerebral dysfunction and cognitive decline. A possible link between NAFLD and Alzheimer's disease (AD) has only recently been proposed due to the multiple shared genes and pathological mechanisms contributing to the development of these conditions. Although AD is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, the exact pathophysiological mechanism remains ambiguous and similarly to NAFLD, currently available pharmacological therapies have mostly failed in clinical trials. In addition to the usual suspects (inflammation, oxidative stress, blood-brain barrier alterations and ageing) that could contribute to the NAFLD-induced development and progression of AD, changes in the vasculature, cerebral perfusion and waste clearance could be the missing link between these two diseases. Here, we review the most recent literature linking NAFLD and AD, focusing on cerebrovascular alterations and the brain's clearance system as risk factors involved in the development and progression of AD, with the aim of promoting further research using neuroimaging techniques and new mechanism-based therapeutic interventions.
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26
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Møller S, Kimer N, Kronborg T, Grandt J, Hove JD, Barløse M, Gluud LL. Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Cardiovascular Disease: Overlapping Mechanisms. Semin Liver Dis 2021; 41:235-247. [PMID: 33992031 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1725022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) denotes a condition with excess fat in the liver. The prevalence of NAFLD is increasing, averaging > 25% of the Western population. In 25% of the patients, NAFLD progresses to its more severe form: nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and >25% of these progress to cirrhosis following activation of inflammatory and fibrotic processes. NAFLD is associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and the metabolic syndrome and represents a considerable and increasing health burden. In the near future, NAFLD cirrhosis is expected to be the most common cause for liver transplantation. NAFLD patients have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease as well as liver-related morbidity. In addition, hepatic steatosis itself appears to represent an independent cardiovascular risk factor. In the present review, we provide an overview of the overlapping mechanisms and prevalence of NAFLD and cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Søren Møller
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Center for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nina Kimer
- Gastro Unit, Medical Division, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Denmark.,Bridge Translational Excellence Program, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thit Kronborg
- Gastro Unit, Medical Division, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Josephine Grandt
- Gastro Unit, Medical Division, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Jens Dahlgaard Hove
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Center for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark.,Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Mads Barløse
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Center for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Lise Lotte Gluud
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.,Gastro Unit, Medical Division, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Denmark
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Gerber Y, VanWagner LB, Yaffe K, Terry JG, Rana JS, Reis JP, Sidney S. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and cognitive function in middle-aged adults: the CARDIA study. BMC Gastroenterol 2021; 21:96. [PMID: 33653293 PMCID: PMC7927393 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-021-01681-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors that have been linked to cognitive decline. Whether NAFLD is associated with cognitive performance in midlife remains uncertain. METHODS Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study participants with CT examination and cognitive assessment at Y25 (2010-2011; n = 2809) were included. Cognitive function was reassessed at Y30. NAFLD was defined according to liver attenuation and treated both continuously and categorically (using ≤ 40 and ≤ 51 Hounsfield units to define severity) after exclusion for other causes of liver fat. Cognitive tests including the Digit Symbol Substitution (processing speed), Rey Auditory Verbal Learning (verbal memory), and Stroop (executive function) were analyzed with standardized z-scores. Linear models were constructed to (a) examine the cross-sectional associations of NAFLD with cognitive scores and (b) evaluate its predictive role in 5-year change in cognitive performance. RESULTS Participants' mean age (Y25) was 50.1 (SD 3.6) years (57% female; 48% black), with 392 (14%) having mild NAFLD and 281 (10%) having severe NAFLD. NAFLD was positively associated with CVD risk factors and inversely associated with cognitive scores. However, after adjustment for CVD risk factors, no associations were shown between NAFLD and cognitive scores (all βs ≈ 0). Similarly, no associations were observed with 5-year cognitive decline. CVD history, hypertension, smoking, diabetes and hypertriglyceridemia showed stronger associations with baseline cognitive scores and were predictive of subsequent cognitive decline (all P ≤ .05). CONCLUSION Among middle-aged adults, inverse associations between NAFLD and cognitive scores were attenuated after adjustment for CVD risk factors, with the latter predictive of poorer cognitive performance both at baseline and follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yariv Gerber
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel.
- Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA.
- School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
| | - Lisa B VanWagner
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kristine Yaffe
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - James G Terry
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jamal S Rana
- Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jared P Reis
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Cognitive Dysfunction in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease-Current Knowledge, Mechanisms and Perspectives. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10040673. [PMID: 33572481 PMCID: PMC7916374 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10040673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as the hepatic component of the metabolic syndrome and now seemingly affects one-fourth of the world population. Features associated with NAFLD and the metabolic syndrome have frequently been linked to cognitive dysfunction, i.e. systemic inflammation, vascular dysfunction, and sleep apnoea. However, emerging evidence suggests that NAFLD may be a cause of cognitive dysfunction independent of these factors. NAFLD in addition exhibits dysbiosis of the gut microbiota and impaired urea cycle function, favouring systemic ammonia accumulation and further promotes systemic inflammation. Such disruption of the gut–liver–brain axis is essential in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy, the neuropsychiatric syndrome associated with progressive liver disease. Considering the growing burden of NAFLD, the morbidity from cognitive impairment is expected to have huge societal and economic impact. The present paper provides a review of the available evidence for cognitive dysfunction in NAFLD and outlines its possible mechanisms. Moreover, the clinical challenges of characterizing and diagnosing cognitive dysfunction in NAFLD are discussed.
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Rose CF, Amodio P, Bajaj JS, Dhiman RK, Montagnese S, Taylor-Robinson SD, Vilstrup H, Jalan R. Hepatic encephalopathy: Novel insights into classification, pathophysiology and therapy. J Hepatol 2020; 73:1526-1547. [PMID: 33097308 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a frequent and serious complication of both chronic liver disease and acute liver failure. HE manifests as a wide spectrum of neuropsychiatric abnormalities, from subclinical changes (mild cognitive impairment) to marked disorientation, confusion and coma. The clinical and economic burden of HE is considerable, and it contributes greatly to impaired quality of life, morbidity and mortality. This review will critically discuss the latest classification of HE, as well as the pathogenesis and pathophysiological pathways underlying the neurological decline in patients with end-stage liver disease. In addition, management strategies, diagnostic approaches, currently available therapeutic options and novel treatment strategies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher F Rose
- Hepato-Neuro Laboratory, CRCHUM, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.
| | - Piero Amodio
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Jasmohan S Bajaj
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Radha Krishan Dhiman
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | | | - Simon D Taylor-Robinson
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, St. Mary's Hospital Campus, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hendrik Vilstrup
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Rajiv Jalan
- Liver Failure Group, Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, United Kingdom; European Foundation for the Study of Chronic Liver Failure, Barcelona, Spain.
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Mantovani A, Targher G, Zoppini G. Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Implications for Older Adults with Diabetes. Clin Geriatr Med 2020; 36:527-547. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cger.2020.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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The Prevalence of Lean/Nonobese Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Clin Gastroenterol 2020; 54:378-387. [PMID: 31651571 DOI: 10.1097/mcg.0000000000001270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM The prevalence of lean/nonobese nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) ranges widely in studies. Thus, here, we aimed to perform a meta-analysis on NAFLD prevalence in the lean or nonobese population to give clarity. MATERIALS AND METHODS PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched to identify studies reporting NAFLD prevalence in the lean/nonobese population. Lean or nonobese was defined by body mass index cutoffs reported by authors in original studies. NAFLD prevalence based on community, population, or health checkups was combined with random-effect model after logit transformation. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were further performed to investigate the heterogenicity. RESULTS A total of 45 studies were enrolled in the final analysis, with 55,936 lean/nonobese subjects included, among whom 7351 NAFLD patients were diagnosed. Overall, the pooled NAFLD prevalence of the lean or nonobese population was 10.2% (95% confidence interval: 7.6%-13.6%) and 15.7% (95% confidence interval: 12.5%-19.6%), respectively. Compared with western studies, the NAFLD prevalence in the lean or nonobese population was lower in eastern studies. In addition, the NAFLD prevalence in both the lean and nonobese population showed a general upward trend during recent years. The prevalence was similar in community-based and health checkup-based studies. Lean/nonobese NAFLD patients had significantly lower rates of hypertension, lower uric acid and fasting plasma glucose, and a higher level of high-density lipoprotein than nonlean/obese patients. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of NAFLD in the lean/nonobese population is not rare in either the western or eastern regions of the world. This meta-analysis of prevalence assessment and clinical characteristics should enable higher confidence in more specific interventions and health care standards for these patients.
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Gerber LH, Weinstein AA, Mehta R, Younossi ZM. Importance of fatigue and its measurement in chronic liver disease. World J Gastroenterol 2019; 25:3669-3683. [PMID: 31391765 PMCID: PMC6676553 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v25.i28.3669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms of fatigue in the group of people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis are protean. The liver is central in the pathogenesis of fatigue because it uniquely regulates much of the storage, release and production of substrate for energy generation. It is exquisitely sensitive to the feedback controlling the uptake and release of these energy generation substrates. Metabolic contributors to fatigue, beginning with the uptake of substrate from the gut, the passage through the portal system to hepatic storage and release of energy to target organs (muscle and brain) are central to understanding fatigue in patients with chronic liver disease. Inflammation either causing or resulting from chronic liver disease contributes to fatigue, although inflammation has not been demonstrated to be causal. It is this unique combination of factors, the nexus of metabolic abnormality and the inflammatory burden of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis that creates pathways to different types of fatigue. Many use the terms central and peripheral fatigue. Central fatigue is characterized by a lack of self-motivation and can manifest both in physical and mental activities. Peripheral fatigue is classically manifested by neuromuscular dysfunction and muscle weakness. Therefore, the distinction is often seen as a difference between intention (central fatigue) versus ability (peripheral fatigue). New approaches to measuring fatigue include the use of objective measures as well as patient reported outcomes. These measures have improved the precision with which we are able to describe fatigue. The measures of fatigue severity and its impact on usual daily routines in this population have also been improved, and they are more generally accepted as reliable and sensitive. Several approaches to evaluating fatigue and developing endpoints for treatment have relied of biosignatures associated with fatigue. These have been used singly or in combination and include: physical performance measures, cognitive performance measures, mood/behavioral measures, brain imaging and serological measures. Treatment with non-pharmacological agents have been shown to be effective in symptom reduction, whereas pharmacological agents have not been shown effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn H Gerber
- Department of Medicine, Beatty Center for Liver and Obesity Research, Inova Health System, Falls Church, VA 22042, United States
| | - Ali A Weinstein
- Center for the Study of Chronic Illness and Disability, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, United States
| | - Rohini Mehta
- Beatty Center for Liver and Obesity Research, Inova Health System, Falls Church, VA 22042, United States
| | - Zobair M Younossi
- Department of Medicine, Beatty Center for Liver and Obesity Research, Inova Health System, Falls Church, VA 22042, United States
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Hepatic fat is superior to BMI, visceral and pancreatic fat as a potential risk biomarker for neurodegenerative disease. Eur Radiol 2019; 29:6662-6670. [PMID: 31187217 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-019-06276-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Prior studies relating body mass index (BMI) to brain volumes suggest an overall inverse association. However, BMI might not be an ideal marker, as it disregards different fat compartments, which carry different metabolic risks. Therefore, we analyzed MR-based fat depots and their association with gray matter (GM) volumes of brain structures, which show volumetric changes in neurodegenerative diseases. METHODS Warp-based automated brain segmentation of 3D FLAIR sequences was obtained in a population-based study cohort. Associations of temporal lobe, cingulate gyrus, and hippocampus GM volume with BMI and MR-based quantification of visceral adipose tissue (VAT), as well as hepatic and pancreatic proton density fat fraction (PDFFhepatic and PDFFpanc, respectively), were assessed by linear regression. RESULTS In a sample of 152 women (age 56.2 ± 9.0 years) and 199 men (age 56.1 ± 9.1 years), we observed a significant inverse association of PDFFhepatic and cingulate gyrus volume (p < 0.05) as well as of PDFFhepatic and hippocampus volume (p < 0.05), when adjusting for age and sex. This inverse association was further enhanced for cingulate gyrus volume after additionally adjusting for hypertension, smoking, BMI, LDL, and total cholesterol (p < 0.01) and also alcohol (p < 0.01). No significant association was observed between PDFFhepatic and temporal lobe and between temporal lobe, cingulate gyrus, or hippocampus volume and BMI, VAT, and PDFFpanc. CONCLUSIONS We observed a significant inverse, independent association of cingulate gyrus and hippocampus GM volume with hepatic fat, but not with other obesity measures. Increased hepatic fat could therefore serve as a marker of high-risk fat distribution. KEY POINTS • Obesity is associated with neurodegenerative processes. • In a population-based study cohort, hepatic fat was superior to BMI and visceral and pancreatic fat as a risk biomarker for decreased brain volume of cingulate gyrus and hippocampus. • Increased hepatic fat could serve as a marker of high-risk fat distribution.
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Haapala EA, Lintu N, Eloranta AM, Venäläinen T, Poikkeus AM, Ahonen T, Lindi V, Lakka TA. Mediating effects of motor performance, cardiorespiratory fitness, physical activity, and sedentary behaviour on the associations of adiposity and other cardiometabolic risk factors with academic achievement in children. J Sports Sci 2018. [PMID: 29521577 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2018.1449562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the associations of cardiometabolic risk factors with academic achievement and whether motor performance, cardiorespiratory fitness, physical activity, or sedentary behaviour mediated these associations. Altogether 175 children 6-8 years-of-age participated in the study. We assessed body fat percentage (BF%), waist circumference, insulin, glucose, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure, leptin, alanine aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT). Reading fluency, reading comprehension, and arithmetic skills were assessed using standardized tests. Speed/agility, balance, and manual dexterity test results were used to calculate motor performance score and physical activity was assessed by combined heart rate and movement sensor and cardiorespiratory fitness by maximal cycle ergometer test. In boys, BF% was inversely associated with reading fluency (β = -0.262, P = 0.007) and reading comprehension (β = -0.216, P = 0.025). Motor performance mediated these associations. Leptin was inversely related to reading fluency (β = -0.272, P = 0.006) and reading comprehension (β = -0.287, P = 0.003). The inverse association of leptin with reading fluency was mediated by motor performance. In girls, GGT was inversely associated with reading fluency independent of confounders (β = -0.325, P = 0.007). The inverse association of BF% with academic achievement among boys was largely explained by motor performance. Leptin in boys and GGT in girls were inversely associated with academic achievement independent of confounding factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eero A Haapala
- a Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences , University of Jyväskylä , Jyväskylä , Finland.,b Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine , University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio Campus , Kuopio , Finland
| | - Niina Lintu
- b Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine , University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio Campus , Kuopio , Finland
| | - Aino-Maija Eloranta
- b Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine , University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio Campus , Kuopio , Finland
| | - Taisa Venäläinen
- b Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine , University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio Campus , Kuopio , Finland
| | - Anna-Maija Poikkeus
- c Department of Teacher Education , University of Jyväskylä , Jyväskylä , Finland
| | - Timo Ahonen
- d Department of Psychology , University of Jyväskylä , Jyväskylä , Finland
| | - Virpi Lindi
- a Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences , University of Jyväskylä , Jyväskylä , Finland
| | - Timo A Lakka
- b Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine , University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio Campus , Kuopio , Finland.,e Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine , Kuopio University Hospital and University of Eastern Finland , Kuopio , Finland.,f Kuopio Research Institute of Exercise Medicine , Kuopio , Finland
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Cognitive Changes and Brain Volume Reduction in Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 2018:9638797. [PMID: 29682494 PMCID: PMC5848059 DOI: 10.1155/2018/9638797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Revised: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies of psychological condition of patients suffering from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease are rather equivocal about the results: while some claim that NAFLD patients suffer from anxiety and depression more than non-NAFLD controls, others do not withstand those findings. Lower cognitive potentials have also been reported, both in patient related and in animal model-based investigations, and correlated with assessed brain tissue changes. We hypothesized that NAFLD, as a condition, affects the brain tissue and, subsequently, the cognitive state. So we compared findings in 40 NAFLD positive and 36 NAFLD negative patients and correlated their brain tissue volumes with the results of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test. Binomial logistic regression verified the influence of NAFLD state leading to lower cognitive potentials: odds ratio 0.096; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.032-0.289; p < 0.001. Patients with NAFLD had a greater risk to suffer from the cognitive impairment and depression: RR = 3.9; 95% CI 1.815-8.381; p = 0.0005 and RR = 1.65; 95% CI 1.16-2.36; p = 0.006. NAFLD significantly influenced the cognitive deficit and tissue volume reduction and patients suffering from NAFLD had about four times higher risk of having a cognitive impairment.
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Subclinical cerebrovascular disease in NAFLD without overt risk factors for atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis 2018; 268:27-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2017.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2017] [Revised: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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