1
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Schwantes-An TH, Whitfield JB, Aithal GP, Atkinson SR, Bataller R, Botwin G, Chalasani NP, Cordell HJ, Daly AK, Darlay R, Day CP, Eyer F, Foroud T, Gawrieh S, Gleeson D, Goldman D, Haber PS, Jacquet JM, Lammert CS, Liang T, Liangpunsakul S, Masson S, Mathurin P, Moirand R, McQuillin A, Moreno C, Morgan MY, Mueller S, Müllhaupt B, Nagy LE, Nahon P, Nalpas B, Naveau S, Perney P, Pirmohamed M, Seitz HK, Soyka M, Stickel F, Thompson A, Thursz MR, Trépo E, Morgan TR, Seth D. A polygenic risk score for alcohol-associated cirrhosis among heavy drinkers with European ancestry. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0431. [PMID: 38727677 PMCID: PMC11093576 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polygenic Risk Scores (PRS) based on results from genome-wide association studies offer the prospect of risk stratification for many common and complex diseases. We developed a PRS for alcohol-associated cirrhosis by comparing single-nucleotide polymorphisms among patients with alcohol-associated cirrhosis (ALC) versus drinkers who did not have evidence of liver fibrosis/cirrhosis. METHODS Using a data-driven approach, a PRS for ALC was generated using a meta-genome-wide association study of ALC (N=4305) and an independent cohort of heavy drinkers with ALC and without significant liver disease (N=3037). It was validated in 2 additional independent cohorts from the UK Biobank with diagnosed ALC (N=467) and high-risk drinking controls (N=8981) and participants in the Indiana Biobank Liver cohort with alcohol-associated liver disease (N=121) and controls without liver disease (N=3239). RESULTS A 20-single-nucleotide polymorphisms PRS for ALC (PRSALC) was generated that stratified risk for ALC comparing the top and bottom deciles of PRS in the 2 validation cohorts (ORs: 2.83 [95% CI: 1.82 -4.39] in UK Biobank; 4.40 [1.56 -12.44] in Indiana Biobank Liver cohort). Furthermore, PRSALC improved the prediction of ALC risk when added to the models of clinically known predictors of ALC risk. It also stratified the risk for metabolic dysfunction -associated steatotic liver disease -cirrhosis (3.94 [2.23 -6.95]) in the Indiana Biobank Liver cohort -based exploratory analysis. CONCLUSIONS PRSALC incorporates 20 single-nucleotide polymorphisms, predicts increased risk for ALC, and improves risk stratification for ALC compared with the models that only include clinical risk factors. This new score has the potential for early detection of heavy drinking patients who are at high risk for ALC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae-Hwi Schwantes-An
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN, USA
| | - John B. Whitfield
- Genetic Epidemiology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Queensland 4029, Australia
| | - Guruprasad P. Aithal
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals and the University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Stephen R. Atkinson
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion & Reproduction, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Ramon Bataller
- Center for Liver Diseases, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 3471 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Greg Botwin
- Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Long Beach Healthcare System, 5901 East Seventh Street, Long Beach, CA 90822, USA
- F. Widjaja Family Foundation Inflammatory Bowel and Immunobiology Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California CA 90048, USA
| | - Naga P. Chalasani
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202-5175, USA
| | - Heather J. Cordell
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, International Centre for Life, Central Parkway, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Ann K. Daly
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University Medical School, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Rebecca Darlay
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, International Centre for Life, Central Parkway, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Christopher P. Day
- Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Florian Eyer
- Division of Clinical Toxicology, Department of Internal Medicine 2, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Tatiana Foroud
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN, USA
| | - Samer Gawrieh
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202-5175, USA
| | - Dermot Gleeson
- Liver Unit, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, AO Floor Robert Hadfield Building, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield S5 7AU, UK
| | - David Goldman
- Office of the Clinical Director and Laboratory of Neurogenetics, NIAAA, Bethesda, MD 20952, USA
| | - Paul S. Haber
- Edith Collins Centre (Translational Research in Alcohol Drugs and Toxicology), Sydney Local Health District, Missenden Road, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, the University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | | | - Craig S. Lammert
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202-5175, USA
| | - Tiebing Liang
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202-5175, USA
| | - Suthat Liangpunsakul
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University and Roudebush Veterans Administration Medical Center, Indianapolis, USA
| | - Steven Masson
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University Medical School, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Philippe Mathurin
- CHRU de Lille, Hôpital Claude Huriez, Rue M. Polonovski CS 70001, 59 037 Lille Cedex, France
| | - Romain Moirand
- Univ Rennes, INRA, INSERM, CHU Rennes, Institut NUMECAN (Nutrition Metabolisms and Cancer), F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Andrew McQuillin
- Molecular Psychiatry Laboratory, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London WC1E 6DE, UK
| | - Christophe Moreno
- CUB Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, clinique d’Hépatologie, Brussels, Belgium; Laboratory of Experimental Gastroenterology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marsha Y. Morgan
- UCL Institute for Liver & Digestive Health, Division of Medicine, Royal Free Campus, University College London, London NW3 2PF, UK
| | - Sebastian Mueller
- Department of Internal Medicine, Salem Medical Center and Center for Alcohol Research, University of Heidelberg, Zeppelinstraße 11-33, 69121 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Beat Müllhaupt
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, CH-8901 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Laura E. Nagy
- Lerner Research Institute, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio, OH 44195, USA
| | - Pierre Nahon
- Service d'Hépatologie, APHP Hôpital Avicenne et Université Paris 13, Bobigny, France
- University Paris 13, Bobigny, France
- Inserm U1162 Génomique fonctionnelle des tumeurs solides, Paris, France
| | - Bertrand Nalpas
- Service Addictologie, CHRU Caremeau, 30029 Nîmes, France
- DISC, Inserm, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Sylvie Naveau
- Hôpital Antoine-Béclère, 157 Rue de la Porte de Trivaux, 92140 Clamart, France
| | - Pascal Perney
- Hôpital Universitaire Caremeau, Place du Pr. Robert Debre, 30029 Nîmes, France
| | - Munir Pirmohamed
- MRC Centre for Drug Safety Science, Liverpool Centre for Alcohol Research, University of Liverpool, The Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust, and Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, L69 3GL, UK
| | - Helmut K. Seitz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Salem Medical Center and Center for Alcohol Research, University of Heidelberg, Zeppelinstraße 11-33, 69121 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Soyka
- Psychiatric Hospital University of Munich, Nussbaumsstr.7, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Felix Stickel
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, CH-8901 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andrew Thompson
- MRC Centre for Drug Safety Science, Liverpool Centre for Alcohol Research, University of Liverpool, The Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust, and Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, L69 3GL, UK
- Health Analytics, Lane Clark & Peacock LLP, London, UK
| | - Mark R. Thursz
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion & Reproduction, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Eric Trépo
- CUB Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, clinique d’Hépatologie, Brussels, Belgium; Laboratory of Experimental Gastroenterology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Timothy R. Morgan
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Long Beach Healthcare System, 5901 East Seventh Street, Long Beach, CA 90822, USA
| | - Devanshi Seth
- Edith Collins Centre (Translational Research in Alcohol Drugs and Toxicology), Sydney Local Health District, Missenden Road, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, the University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Centenary Institute of Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology, the University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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2
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Moretti V, Romeo S, Valenti L. The contribution of genetics and epigenetics to MAFLD susceptibility. Hepatol Int 2024:10.1007/s12072-024-10667-5. [PMID: 38662298 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-024-10667-5] [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: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the most common liver disease worldwide. The risk of developing MAFLD varies among individuals, due to a combination of environmental inherited and acquired genetic factors. Genome-wide association and next-generation sequencing studies are leading to the discovery of the common and rare genetic determinants of MAFLD. Thanks to the great advances in genomic technologies and bioinformatics analysis, genetic and epigenetic factors involved in the disease can be used to develop genetic risk scores specific for liver-related complications, which can improve risk stratification. Genetic and epigenetic factors lead to the identification of specific sub-phenotypes of MAFLD, and predict the individual response to a pharmacological therapy. Moreover, the variant transcripts and protein themselves represent new therapeutic targets. This review will discuss the current status of research into genetic as well as epigenetic modifiers of MAFLD development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittoria Moretti
- Precision Medicine Lab, Biological Resource Center and Department of Transfusion Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Milano, Via F Sforza 35, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Romeo
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Luca Valenti
- Precision Medicine Lab, Biological Resource Center and Department of Transfusion Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Milano, Via F Sforza 35, 20122, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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3
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Pelusi S, Ronzoni L, Rondena J, Rosso C, Pennisi G, Dongiovanni P, Margarita S, Carpani R, Soardo G, Prati D, Cespiati A, Petta S, Bugianesi E, Valenti L. Prevalence and Determinants of Liver Disease in Relatives of Italian Patients With Advanced MASLD. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024:S1542-3565(24)00046-6. [PMID: 38216023 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2023.12.033] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has a strong genetic component. The aim of this study was to examine noninvasively the prevalence of MASLD and of advanced fibrosis in relatives of patients with advanced MASLD and the risk factors for liver involvement, with a focus on the contribution of common genetic risk variants. METHODS We prospectively enrolled 98 consecutive probands with advanced fibrosis and/or hepatocellular carcinoma caused by MASLD and 160 nontwin first-degree relatives noninvasively screened for MASLD and advanced fibrosis at 4 Italian centers. We evaluated common genetic determinants and polygenic risk scores of liver disease. RESULTS Among relatives, prevalence of MASLD was 56.8% overall, whereas advanced fibrosis was observed in 14.4%. At multivariable analysis in relatives, MASLD was associated with body mass index (odds ratio [OR], 1.31 [1.18-1.46]) and tended to be associated with diabetes (OR, 5.21 [0.97-28.10]), alcohol intake (OR, 1.32 [0.98-1.78]), and with female sex (OR, 0.54 [0.23-1.15]), whereas advanced fibrosis was associated with diabetes (OR, 3.13 [1.16-8.45]) and nearly with body mass index (OR, 1.09 [1.00-1.19]). Despite that the PNPLA3 risk variant was enriched in probands (P = .003) and overtransmitted to relatives with MASLD (P = .045), evaluation of genetic risk variants and polygenic risk scores was not useful to guide noninvasive screening of advanced fibrosis in relatives. CONCLUSIONS We confirmed that about 1 in 7 relatives of patients with advanced MASLD has advanced fibrosis, supporting clinical recommendations to perform family screening in this setting. Genetic risk variants contributed to liver disease within families but did not meaningfully improve fibrosis risk stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Pelusi
- Precision Medicine Lab, Biological Resource Center - Transfusion Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Luisa Ronzoni
- Precision Medicine Lab, Biological Resource Center - Transfusion Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Jessica Rondena
- Precision Medicine Lab, Biological Resource Center - Transfusion Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Rosso
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Grazia Pennisi
- Department of Health promotion, Mother and Childcare, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (ProMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Paola Dongiovanni
- Medicine and Metabolic Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Margarita
- Precision Medicine Lab, Biological Resource Center - Transfusion Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Rossana Carpani
- Precision Medicine Lab, Biological Resource Center - Transfusion Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgio Soardo
- Clinica Medica-Liver Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Udine, Udine, Italy; Italian Liver Foundation, Area Science Park, Basovizza-Trieste, Italy
| | - Daniele Prati
- Precision Medicine Lab, Biological Resource Center - Transfusion Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Annalisa Cespiati
- Medicine and Metabolic Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Salvatore Petta
- Department of Health promotion, Mother and Childcare, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (ProMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Bugianesi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Luca Valenti
- Precision Medicine Lab, Biological Resource Center - Transfusion Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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4
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Ebrahimi F, Hagström H, Sun J, Bergman D, Shang Y, Yang W, Roelstraete B, Ludvigsson JF. Familial coaggregation of MASLD with hepatocellular carcinoma and adverse liver outcomes: Nationwide multigenerational cohort study. J Hepatol 2023; 79:1374-1384. [PMID: 37647992 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD; formerly NAFLD) is the fastest growing cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. However, whether family members of individuals with MASLD also share an increased risk of developing HCC is unknown. METHODS This nationwide multigenerational cohort study involved family members of all Swedish adults diagnosed with biopsy-proven MASLD (1969-2017), and matched general population comparators. Using the Swedish Multi-generation Register, we identified 38,018 first-degree relatives (FDRs: parents, siblings, offspring) and 9,381 spouses of patients with MASLD, as well as 197,303 comparator FDRs and 47,572 comparator spouses. We used Cox proportional hazards models to calculate adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for HCC, major adverse liver outcomes (cirrhosis, decompensated liver disease or liver transplantation), liver-related mortality, extrahepatic cancer, and non-liver-related mortality. RESULTS Over a median of 17.6 years, the rate of the primary outcome HCC was higher in MASLD FDRs vs. comparator FDRs (13 vs. 8/100,000 person-years [PY]; aHR 1.80, 95% CI 1.36-2.37). The HCC risk was further increased in FDRs of individuals with liver fibrosis/cirrhosis (aHR 2.14, 95% CI 1.07-4.27; PHeterogeneity = 0.03). MASLD FDRs also had higher rates of major adverse liver outcomes (73 vs. 51/100,000 PY; aHR 1.52, 95% CI 1.36-1.69) and liver-related mortality (20 vs. 11/100,000 PY; aHR 2.14, 95% CI 1.67-2.74). MASLD FDRs with any concomitant chronic liver condition experienced accelerated progression of liver disease (aHR 1.47, 95% CI 1.29-1.67). MASLD spouses were at higher risks of major adverse liver outcomes (86 vs. 74/100,000 PY; aHR 1.23, 95% CI 1.01-1.51) and liver-related mortality (25 vs. 19/100,000 PY; aHR 1.93, 95% CI 1.15-3.23), but not of HCC (aHR 1.43, 95% CI 0.87-2.35). CONCLUSIONS There is distinct familial clustering of adverse liver-related outcomes in families of individuals with biopsy-proven MASLD, with higher relative risks of HCC, progressive liver disease, and liver-related mortality, but absolute risks are low. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD; formerly termed NAFLD) clusters in families with high genetic susceptibility and shared environmental risk factors, but the risks of developing hepatocellular carcinoma and other major liver-related outcomes in family members of individuals with MASLD are largely unknown. This large nationwide multigenerational cohort study involving family members (first-degree relatives and spouses) of individuals with biopsy-proven MASLD and of matched general population comparators found slightly increased risks of hepatocellular carcinoma in first-degree relatives, and of developing cirrhosis and liver-related mortality in all family members of individuals with biopsy-proven MASLD. The findings of this study provide large-scale evidence to inform clinical practice guidelines for recommendations on the early identification of individuals at higher risk of liver-related morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahim Ebrahimi
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Clarunis University Center for Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Hannes Hagström
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Upper GI, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jiangwei Sun
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - David Bergman
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ying Shang
- Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Wen Yang
- Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bjorn Roelstraete
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jonas F Ludvigsson
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Pediatrics, Örebro University Hospital, Örebro, Sweden; Department of Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA
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5
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Rosso C, Caviglia GP, Birolo G, Armandi A, Pennisi G, Pelusi S, Younes R, Liguori A, Perez-Diaz-Del-Campo N, Nicolosi A, Govaere O, Castelnuovo G, Olivero A, Abate ML, Ribaldone DG, Fariselli P, Valenti L, Miele L, Petta S, Romero-Gomez M, Anstee QM, Bugianesi E. Impact of PNPLA3 rs738409 Polymorphism on the Development of Liver-Related Events in Patients With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 21:3314-3321.e3. [PMID: 37149016 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2023.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a complex disease, resulting from the interplay between environmental determinants and genetic variations. Single nucleotide polymorphism rs738409 C>G in the PNPLA3 gene is associated with hepatic fibrosis and with higher risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma. Here, we analyzed a longitudinal cohort of biopsy-proven NAFLD subjects with the aim to identify individuals in whom genetics may have a stronger impact on disease progression. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 756 consecutive, prospectively enrolled biopsy-proven NAFLD subjects from Italy, United Kingdom, and Spain who were followed for a median of 84 months (interquartile range, 65-109 months). We stratified the study cohort according to sex, body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2) and age (≥50 years). Liver-related events (hepatic decompensation, hepatic encephalopathy, esophageal variceal bleeding, and hepatocellular carcinoma) were recorded during the follow-up and the log-rank test was used to compare groups. RESULTS Overall, the median age was 48 years and most individuals were men (64.7%). The PNPLA3 rs738409 genotype was CC in 235 (31.1%), CG in 328 (43.4%), and GG in 193 (25.5%) patients. At univariate analysis, the PNPLA3 GG risk genotype was associated with female sex and inversely related to BMI (odds ratio, 1.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-2.2; P = .006; and odds ratio, 0.97; 95% confidence interval, 0.94-0.99; P = .043, respectively). Specifically, PNPLA3 GG risk homozygosis was more prevalent in female vs male individuals (31.5% vs 22.3%; P = .006) and in nonobese compared with obese NAFLD subjects (50.0% vs 44.2%; P = .011). Following stratification for age, sex, and BMI, we observed an increased incidence of liver-related events in the subgroup of nonobese women older than 50 years of age carrying the PNPLA3 GG risk genotype (log-rank test, P = .0047). CONCLUSIONS Nonobese female patients with NAFLD 50 years of age and older, and carrying the PNPLA3 GG risk genotype, are at higher risk of developing liver-related events compared with those with the wild-type allele (CC/CG). This finding may have implications in clinical practice for risk stratification and personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Rosso
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Gian Paolo Caviglia
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giovanni Birolo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Angelo Armandi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy; Metabolic Liver Disease Research Program, I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Grazia Pennisi
- Sezione di Gastroenterologia, PROMISE, Università di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Serena Pelusi
- Precision Medicine, Department of Transfusion Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Ramy Younes
- Boehringer Ingelheim International, GmbH, Ingelheim, Germany
| | - Antonio Liguori
- Dipartimento Universitario Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Nuria Perez-Diaz-Del-Campo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Aurora Nicolosi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Olivier Govaere
- Newcastle Liver Research Group, Translational & Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Gabriele Castelnuovo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Antonella Olivero
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Maria Lorena Abate
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Davide Giuseppe Ribaldone
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Piero Fariselli
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Luca Valenti
- Precision Medicine, Department of Transfusion Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Miele
- Dipartimento Universitario Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Petta
- Sezione di Gastroenterologia, PROMISE, Università di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Manuel Romero-Gomez
- UCM Digestive Diseases and SeLiver Group, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Quentin M Anstee
- Newcastle Liver Research Group, Translational & Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom; Newcastle NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Elisabetta Bugianesi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
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Abstract
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) refers to the accumulation of lipid laden vacuoles in hepatocytes, occurring in the context of visceral adiposity, insulin resistance and other features of the metabolic syndrome. Its more severe form (NASH, Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis) is becoming the leading aetiology of end-stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma, and also contributes to cardiovascular disease, diabetes and extrahepatic malignancy. Management is currently limited to lifestyle modification and optimisation of the metabolic co-morbidities, with some of the drugs used for the latter also having shown some benefit for the liver. Licensed treatment modalities are currently lacking. A particular difficulty is the notorious heterogeneity of the patient population, which is poorly understood. A spectrum of disease severity associates in a non-linear way with a spectrum of severity of underlying metabolic factors. Heterogeneity of the liver in terms of mechanisms to cope with the metabolic and inflammatory stress and in terms of repair mechanisms, and a lack of knowledge hereof, further complicate the understanding of inter-individual variability. Genetic factors act as disease modifiers and potentially allow for some risk stratification, but also only explain a minor fraction of disease heterogeneity. Response to treatment shows a large variation in treatment response, again with little understanding of what is driving the absence of response in individual patients. Management can be tailored to patient's preferences in terms of diet modification, but tailoring treatment to knowledge on disease driving mechanisms in an individual patient is still in its infancy. Recent progress in analysing liver tissue as well as non-invasive tests hold, however, promise to rapidly improve our understanding of disease heterogeneity in NAFLD and provide individualised management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven M Francque
- Department of Gastroenterology Hepatology, Antwerp University Hospital, Drie Eikenstraat 655, B-2650, Edegem, Belgium.
- InflaMed Centre of Excellence, Laboratory for Experimental Medicine and Paediatrics, Translational Sciences in Inflammation and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610, Wilrijk, Belgium.
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7
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Grove JI, Lo PC, Shrine N, Barwell J, Wain LV, Tobin MD, Salter AM, Borkar AN, Cuevas-Ocaña S, Bennett N, John C, Ntalla I, Jones GE, Neal CP, Thomas MG, Kuht H, Gupta P, Vemala VM, Grant A, Adewoye AB, Shenoy KT, Balakumaran LK, Hollox EJ, Hannan NR, Aithal GP. Identification and characterisation of a rare MTTP variant underlying hereditary non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. JHEP Rep 2023; 5:100764. [PMID: 37484212 PMCID: PMC10362796 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a complex trait with an estimated prevalence of 25% globally. We aimed to identify the genetic variant underlying a four-generation family with progressive NAFLD leading to cirrhosis, decompensation, and development of hepatocellular carcinoma in the absence of common risk factors such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Methods Exome sequencing and genome comparisons were used to identify the likely causal variant. We extensively characterised the clinical phenotype and post-prandial metabolic responses of family members with the identified novel variant in comparison with healthy non-carriers and wild-type patients with NAFLD. Variant-expressing hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) were derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells generated from homozygous donor skin fibroblasts and restored to wild-type using CRISPR-Cas9. The phenotype was assessed using imaging, targeted RNA analysis, and molecular expression arrays. Results We identified a rare causal variant c.1691T>C p.I564T (rs745447480) in MTTP, encoding microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP), associated with progressive NAFLD, unrelated to metabolic syndrome and without characteristic features of abetalipoproteinaemia. HLCs derived from a homozygote donor had significantly lower MTP activity and lower lipoprotein ApoB secretion than wild-type cells, while having similar levels of MTP mRNA and protein. Cytoplasmic triglyceride accumulation in HLCs triggered endoplasmic reticulum stress, secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators, and production of reactive oxygen species. Conclusions We have identified and characterised a rare causal variant in MTTP, and homozygosity for MTTP p.I564T is associated with progressive NAFLD without any other manifestations of abetalipoproteinaemia. Our findings provide insights into mechanisms driving progressive NAFLD. Impact and Implications A rare genetic variant in the gene MTTP has been identified as responsible for the development of severe non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in a four-generation family with no typical disease risk factors. A cell line culture created harbouring this variant gene was characterised to understand how this genetic variation leads to a defect in liver cells, which results in accumulation of fat and processes that promote disease. This is now a useful model for studying the disease pathways and to discover new ways to treat common types of fatty liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane I. Grove
- National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust & University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre, Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Peggy C.K. Lo
- Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Nick Shrine
- Genetic Epidemiology Group, Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Julian Barwell
- Clinical Genetics Department, University Hospitals Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Louise V. Wain
- Genetic Epidemiology Group, Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- NIHR Leicester Respiratory Biomedical Research Centre, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, UK
| | - Martin D. Tobin
- Genetic Epidemiology Group, Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- NIHR Leicester Respiratory Biomedical Research Centre, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, UK
| | | | - Aditi N. Borkar
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Sara Cuevas-Ocaña
- Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Neil Bennett
- Genetic Epidemiology Group, Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Catherine John
- Genetic Epidemiology Group, Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Ioanna Ntalla
- Clinical Genetics Department, University Hospitals Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Gabriela E. Jones
- Clinical Genetics Department, University Hospitals Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | | | - Mervyn G. Thomas
- Ulverscroft Eye Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Helen Kuht
- Ulverscroft Eye Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Pankaj Gupta
- Department of Chemical Pathology and Metabolic Diseases, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Vishwaraj M. Vemala
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Allister Grant
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Adeolu B. Adewoye
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | | | | | - Edward J. Hollox
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Nicholas R.F. Hannan
- Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Guruprasad P. Aithal
- National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust & University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre, Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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8
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Wu CH, Chang TY, Chen YC, Huang RFS. PEMT rs7946 Polymorphism and Sex Modify the Effect of Adequate Dietary Choline Intake on the Risk of Hepatic Steatosis in Older Patients with Metabolic Disorders. Nutrients 2023; 15:3211. [PMID: 37513629 PMCID: PMC10383596 DOI: 10.3390/nu15143211] [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: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In humans, PEMT rs7946 polymorphism exerts sex-specific effects on choline requirement and hepatic steatosis (HS) risk. Few studies have explored the interaction effect of the PEMT rs7946 polymorphism and sex on the effect of adequate choline intake on HS risk. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated the association between PEMT polymorphism and adequate choline intake on HS risk. We enrolled 250 older patients with metabolic disorders with (n = 152) or without (n = 98; control) ultrasonically diagnosed HS. An elevated PEMT rs7946 A allele level was associated with a lower HS risk and body mass index in both men and women. Dietary choline intake-assessed using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire-was associated with reduced obesity in men only (p for trend < 0.05). ROC curve analysis revealed that the cutoff value of energy-adjusted choline intake for HS diagnosis was 448 mg/day in women (AUC: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.57-0.77) and 424 mg/day in men (AUC: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.57-0.76). In women, GG genotype and high choline intake (>448 mg/day) were associated with a 79% reduction in HS risk (adjusted OR: 0.21; 95% CI: 0.05-0.82); notably, GA or AA genotype was associated with a reduced HS risk regardless of choline intake (p < 0.05). In men, GG genotype and high choline intake (>424 mg/day) were associated with a 3.7-fold increase in HS risk (OR: 3.7; 95% CI: 1.19-11.9). Further adjustments for a high-density lipoprotein level and body mass index mitigated the effect of choline intake on HS risk. Current dietary choline intake may be inadequate for minimizing HS risk in postmenopausal Taiwanese women carrying the PEMT rs7946 GG genotype. Older men consuming more than the recommended amount of choline may have an increased risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; this risk is mediated by a high-density lipoprotein level and obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Hsien Wu
- Ph.D. Program in Nutrition and Food Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242062, Taiwan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Taipei Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, New Taipei City 242033, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Yu Chang
- Department of Nutritional Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242062, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Chu Chen
- Department of Nutritional Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242062, Taiwan
| | - Rwei-Fen S Huang
- Ph.D. Program in Nutrition and Food Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242062, Taiwan
- Department of Nutritional Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242062, Taiwan
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9
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Boeckmans J, Gatzios A, Schattenberg JM, Koek GH, Rodrigues RM, Vanhaecke T. PNPLA3 I148M and response to treatment for hepatic steatosis: A systematic review. Liver Int 2023; 43:975-988. [PMID: 36719059 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15533] [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: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is unclear whether the patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3 (PNPLA3) rs738409 C-to-G single nucleotide polymorphism, resulting in the substitution of isoleucine to methionine at position 148 (I148M), impedes regression of hepatic steatosis when treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). OBJECTIVES Investigate if carriage of the PNPLA3 148M allele affects the anti-steatotic efficacy of all possible anti-NAFLD interventions, identify gaps in current knowledge and provide guidance for individual treatment. METHODS Research available in public databases was searched up to 13 November 2022. Studies were included if a treatment in NAFLD patients decreased hepatic steatosis in the pooled patient group or a PNPLA3 I148M polymorphism subgroup (II/IM/MM). The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk-Of-Bias 2 Tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS Moderate evidence indicates that NAFLD patients homozygous for the PNPLA3 148M allele benefit less or not at all from omega-3 carboxylic acids to decrease liver fat, while the PNPLA3 148I allele shows moderate benefit. Low evidence suggests that interventions employing lifestyle changes are more effective to reduce liver fat in NAFLD patients homozygous for the PNPLA3 148M allele compared to patients with wild-type PNPLA3. CONCLUSIONS NAFLD patients homozygous for the PNPLA3 148M allele might not benefit from omega-3 carboxylic acids to reduce hepatic steatosis in contrast to patients with wild-type PNPLA3. Instead, patients with two PNPLA3 148M alleles should be especially advised to adopt lifestyle changes. Genotyping for PNPLA3 I148M should be encouraged in therapeutic studies for NAFLD. REGISTRATION NUMBER (PROSPERO) CRD42022375028.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joost Boeckmans
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alexandra Gatzios
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jörn M Schattenberg
- Metabolic Liver Research Center, Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ger H Koek
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Robim M Rodrigues
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Tamara Vanhaecke
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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10
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Vasconcellos C, Ferreira O, Lopes MF, Ribeiro AF, Vasques J, Guerreiro CS. Nutritional Genomics in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020319. [PMID: 36830856 PMCID: PMC9953045 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020319] [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: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common chronic condition associated with genetic and environmental factors in which fat abnormally accumulates in the liver. NAFLD is epidemiologically associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Environmental factors, such as physical inactivity and an unbalanced diet, interact with genetic factors, such as epigenetic mechanisms and polymorphisms for the genesis and development of the condition. Different genetic polymorphisms seem to be involved in this context, including variants in PNPLA3, TM6SF2, PEMT, and CHDH genes, playing a role in the disease's susceptibility, development, and severity. From carbohydrate intake and weight loss to omega-3 supplementation and caloric restriction, different dietary and nutritional factors appear to be involved in controlling the onset and progression of NAFLD conditions influencing metabolism, gene, and protein expression. The polygenic risk score represents a sum of trait-associated alleles carried by an individual and seems to be associated with NAFLD outcomes depending on the dietary context. Understanding the exact extent to which lifestyle interventions and genetic predispositions can play a role in the prevention and management of NAFLD can be crucial for the establishment of a personalized and integrative approach to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Vasconcellos
- Laboratório de Nutrição, Faculdade de Medicina, Centro Académico de Medicina de Lisboa, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Oureana Ferreira
- Laboratório de Nutrição, Faculdade de Medicina, Centro Académico de Medicina de Lisboa, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Marta Filipa Lopes
- Laboratório de Nutrição, Faculdade de Medicina, Centro Académico de Medicina de Lisboa, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - André Filipe Ribeiro
- Laboratório de Nutrição, Faculdade de Medicina, Centro Académico de Medicina de Lisboa, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - João Vasques
- Laboratório de Nutrição, Faculdade de Medicina, Centro Académico de Medicina de Lisboa, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Catarina Sousa Guerreiro
- Laboratório de Nutrição, Faculdade de Medicina, Centro Académico de Medicina de Lisboa, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
- Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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11
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The link between liver fat and cardiometabolic diseases is highlighted by genome-wide association study of MRI-derived measures of body composition. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1271. [PMID: 36402844 PMCID: PMC9675774 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04237-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity and associated morbidities, metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) included, constitute some of the largest public health threats worldwide. Body composition and related risk factors are known to be heritable and identification of their genetic determinants may aid in the development of better prevention and treatment strategies. Recently, large-scale whole-body MRI data has become available, providing more specific measures of body composition than anthropometrics such as body mass index. Here, we aimed to elucidate the genetic architecture of body composition, by conducting genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of these MRI-derived measures. We ran both univariate and multivariate GWAS on fourteen MRI-derived measurements of adipose and muscle tissue distribution, derived from scans from 33,588 White European UK Biobank participants (mean age of 64.5 years, 51.4% female). Through multivariate analysis, we discovered 100 loci with distributed effects across the body composition measures and 241 significant genes primarily involved in immune system functioning. Liver fat stood out, with a highly discoverable and oligogenic architecture and the strongest genetic associations. Comparison with 21 common cardiometabolic traits revealed both shared and specific genetic influences, with higher mean heritability for the MRI measures (h2 = .25 vs. .13, p = 1.8x10-7). We found substantial genetic correlations between the body composition measures and a range of cardiometabolic diseases, with the strongest correlation between liver fat and type 2 diabetes (rg = .49, p = 2.7x10-22). These findings show that MRI-derived body composition measures complement conventional body anthropometrics and other biomarkers of cardiometabolic health, highlighting the central role of liver fat, and improving our knowledge of the genetic architecture of body composition and related diseases.
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12
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Romeo S, Valenti L. African genetic ancestry and protection against fatty liver disease. Liver Int 2022; 42:2122-2123. [PMID: 36038991 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Romeo
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy, Wallenberg Laboratory, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Clinical Nutrition Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy.,Department of Cardiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Luca Valenti
- Precision Medicine Lab, Biological Resource Center, Department of Transfusion Medicine and Hematology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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13
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Perez-Diaz-Del-Campo N, Martínez-Urbistondo D, Bugianesi E, Martínez JA. Diagnostic scores and scales for appraising Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and omics perspectives for precision medicine. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care 2022; 25:285-291. [PMID: 35788123 DOI: 10.1097/mco.0000000000000849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a rising epidemic burden affecting around 25% of the global population. Liver biopsy remains the reference for NAFLD. However, the application of several scales and clinical algorithms have been proposed to diagnose NAFLD using prediction questions and blood biomarkers. This review presents a summarized of the currently available and emerging diagnostic biomarkers and scores used to assess NAFLD. RECENT FINDINGS The limitations of liver biopsy have fostered the development of alternative noninvasive strategies, which have been an area of intensive investigation over the past years. Diagnostic scores for NAFLD have shown to be a good alternative for disease diagnosis and prognosis due to a suitable applicability, good inter-laboratory reproducibility and widespread potential availability with reasonable costs. SUMMARY The growing NAFLD pandemic urges clinicians to seek alternatives for screening, early diagnosis, and follow-up, especially for those with contraindications for liver biopsy. New promising noninvasive biomarkers and techniques have been developed, evaluated and assessed, including diagnostic biomarkers scores. Moreover, multiomics markers panels involving phenotype, genotype, microbiome and clinical characteristics from patients will facilitate the diagnosis, stratification and prognosis of NAFLD patients with precision medicine approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - J Alfredo Martínez
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de La Fisiopatología de La Obesidad Y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Carlos III Health Institute
- Madrid Institute of Advanced Studies (IMDEA Food), Food Institute, Madrid, Spain
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14
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Valenti L, Ronzoni L. Genetics: A new clinical tool for the hepatologist. Liver Int 2022; 42:724-726. [PMID: 35289075 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Valenti
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Transfusion Medicine and Hematology, Biological Resource Center and Precision Medicine Lab, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Luisa Ronzoni
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and Hematology, Biological Resource Center and Precision Medicine Lab, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Milano, Milan, Italy
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