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Álvarez D, Ortiz M, Valdebenito G, Crisosto N, Echiburú B, Valenzuela R, Espinosa A, Maliqueo M. Effects of a High-Fat Diet and Docosahexaenoic Acid during Pregnancy on Fatty Acid Composition in the Fetal Livers of Mice. Nutrients 2023; 15:4696. [PMID: 37960348 PMCID: PMC10649644 DOI: 10.3390/nu15214696] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
A high-fat diet (HFD) during pregnancy promotes fat accumulation and reduces docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels in the liver of the offspring at postnatal ages, which can depend on fetal sex. However, the prenatal mechanisms behind these associations are still unclear. Thus, we analyzed if an HFD alters DHA content and the expression of molecules related to fatty acid (FA) metabolism in the fetal liver. Female C57BL/6 mice were fed a control diet or HFD for 4-6 weeks before pregnancy until the gestational day (GD) 17.5. A subgroup of each diet received DHA (100 mg/Kg) orally from GD 6.5 until 16.5. On GD 17.5, maternal livers, placentas, and livers from male and female fetuses were collected for FA profiling with gas-chromatography and gene expression of molecules related to FA metabolism using qPCR. PPAR-α protein expression was evaluated using Western blot. The gene expression of placental FA transporters was also assessed. An HFD increased eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and decreased DHA levels and protein expression of PPAR-α in the fetal livers of both sexes. DHA increased the gene expression of Ppara, Cpt1, and Acsl1 in the livers of female fetuses. Therefore, an HFD reduces DHA levels and PPAR-α, a master regulator of gene expression, in the fetal liver. In turn, the livers of female fetuses seem to be more sensitive to DHA action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Álvarez
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine West Division, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8350499, Chile; (D.Á.); (M.O.); (G.V.); (N.C.); (B.E.)
| | - Macarena Ortiz
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine West Division, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8350499, Chile; (D.Á.); (M.O.); (G.V.); (N.C.); (B.E.)
| | - Gabriel Valdebenito
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine West Division, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8350499, Chile; (D.Á.); (M.O.); (G.V.); (N.C.); (B.E.)
| | - Nicolás Crisosto
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine West Division, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8350499, Chile; (D.Á.); (M.O.); (G.V.); (N.C.); (B.E.)
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine, Clínica Alemana de Santiago, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago 7610658, Chile
| | - Bárbara Echiburú
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine West Division, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8350499, Chile; (D.Á.); (M.O.); (G.V.); (N.C.); (B.E.)
| | - Rodrigo Valenzuela
- Nutrition Department, School of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380000, Chile;
| | - Alejandra Espinosa
- Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile;
| | - Manuel Maliqueo
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine West Division, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8350499, Chile; (D.Á.); (M.O.); (G.V.); (N.C.); (B.E.)
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Younossi ZM, Zelber-Sagi S, Henry L, Gerber LH. Lifestyle interventions in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 20:708-722. [PMID: 37402873 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-023-00800-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a dynamic chronic liver disease that develops in close association with metabolic irregularities. Between 2016 and 2019, the global prevalence among adults was reported as 38% and among children and adolescents it was about 10%. NAFLD can be progressive and is associated with increased mortality from cardiovascular disease, extrahepatic cancers and liver complications. Despite these numerous adverse outcomes, no pharmacological treatments currently exist to treat nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, the progressive form of NAFLD. Therefore, the main treatment is the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle for both children and adults, which includes a diet rich in fruits, nuts, seeds, whole grains, fish and chicken and avoiding overconsumption of ultra-processed food, red meat, sugar-sweetened beverages and foods cooked at high heat. Physical activity at a level where one can talk but not sing is also recommended, including leisure-time activities and structured exercise. Avoidance of smoking and alcohol is also recommended. Policy-makers, community and school leaders need to work together to make their environments healthy by developing walkable and safe spaces with food stores stocked with culturally appropriate and healthy food items at affordable prices as well as providing age-appropriate and safe play areas in both schools and neighbourhoods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zobair M Younossi
- Betty and Guy Beatty Center for Integrated Research, Inova Health System, Falls Church, VA, USA.
- Center for Liver Disease, Department of Medicine, Inova Fairfax Medical Campus, Falls Church, VA, USA.
- Inova Medicine, Inova Health System, Falls Church, VA, USA.
| | | | - Linda Henry
- Betty and Guy Beatty Center for Integrated Research, Inova Health System, Falls Church, VA, USA
- Inova Medicine, Inova Health System, Falls Church, VA, USA
| | - Lynn H Gerber
- Betty and Guy Beatty Center for Integrated Research, Inova Health System, Falls Church, VA, USA
- Inova Medicine, Inova Health System, Falls Church, VA, USA
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Henry L, Paik J, Younossi ZM. Review article: the epidemiologic burden of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease across the world. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2022; 56:942-956. [PMID: 35880713 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing in parallel with obesity and type 2 diabetes. AIM To review the global epidemiology of NAFLD METHODS: We retrieved articles from PubMed using search terms of NAFLD, epidemiology, prevalence, incidence, and comorbidities. RESULTS Over 250 articles were reviewed. In 2016, the global NAFLD prevalence was 25%; this increased to >30% in 2019. Prevalence in Asia, Latin America and Middle East-North Africa (MENA) was 30.8%, 34.5% and 42.6%, respectively. Prevalence increased with age. Although prevalence was higher in men, prevalence in post-menopausal women was similar. NAFLD prevalence was higher in certain subpopulations, especially among the obese and those with metabolic syndrome (MS). However, the prevalence of lean NAFLD was 11.2%. The global prevalence of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is estimated between 2% and 6% in the general population. Approximately 7% of patients with NAFLD have advanced fibrosis; rates were between 21% and 50% among patients with NASH. Overall mortality related to NAFLD was 15-20 per 1000 person-years, and increased substantially in patients with NASH, especially in those with components of MS. Recent data suggest mortality/morbidity from NAFLD is increasing globally but NAFLD awareness remains low among patients and healthcare providers. CONCLUSIONS NAFLD poses a global public health problem with a very high disease burden in Asia, MENA and Latin America. Research is needed to better quantify the full impact of NAFLD and to develop strategies to improve awareness and risk stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Henry
- Center for Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Inova Fairfax Medical Campus, Falls Church, Virginia, USA
| | - James Paik
- Betty and Guy Beatty Center for Integrated Research, Inova Health System, Falls Church, Virginia, USA
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Liver Steatosis: A Marker of Metabolic Risk in Children. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094822. [PMID: 35563210 PMCID: PMC9100068 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity is one of the greatest health challenges affecting children of all ages and ethnicities. Almost 19% of children and adolescents worldwide are overweight or obese, with an upward trend in the last decades. These reports imply an increased risk of fat accumulation in hepatic cells leading to a series of histological hepatic damages gathered under the acronym NAFLD (Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease). Due to the complex dynamics underlying this condition, it has been recently renamed as 'Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD)', supporting the hypothesis that hepatic steatosis is a key component of the large group of clinical and laboratory abnormalities of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). This review aims to share the latest scientific knowledge on MAFLD in children in an attempt to offer novel insights into the complex dynamics underlying this condition, focusing on the novel molecular aspects. Although there is still no treatment with a proven efficacy for this condition, starting from the molecular basis of the disease, MAFLD's therapeutic landscape is rapidly expanding, and different medications seem to act as modifiers of liver steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis.
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Xie L, Mo PKH, Tang Q, Zhao X, Zhao X, Cai W, Feng Y, Niu Y. Skeletal Muscle Mass Has Stronger Association With the Risk of Hyperuricemia Than Body Fat Mass in Obese Children and Adolescents. Front Nutr 2022; 9:792234. [PMID: 35419385 PMCID: PMC8995646 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.792234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hyperuricemia has been increasing among children with obesity in recent years. However, few studies in such a study group had explored the relationship between obesity-anthropometric indexes and hyperuricemia. This study aimed to examine the associations between hyperuricemia and different body components in children and adolescents with obesity, and further explore gender differences in these associations. Methods In this cross-sectional study, a total of 271 obese children and adolescents (153 boys and 118 girls) aged 6–17 years were recruited from Shanghai Xinhua Hospital. Data about basic information, anthropometric assessments, body composition, and laboratory tests of participants were collected. Results In this study, 73 boys (47.71%) and 57 girls (48.31%) were diagnosed to have hyperuricemia. The impacts of percentage of skeletal muscle (PSM) (OR = 1.221, P < 0.001) and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) (OR = 1.179, P < 0.001) on the risk of hyperuricemia was the largest, followed by hip circumference (HC) (OR = 1.109, P < 0.001), waist circumference (WC) (OR = 1.073, P < 0.001), and body fat mass (BFM) (OR = 1.056, P < 0.05) in whole sample, which was adjusted for age, gender and body mass index (BMI). After being stratified by gender, PSM (boys: OR = 1.309, P < 0.001) and SMM (boys: OR = 1.200, P < 0.001; girls: OR = 1.147, P < 0.05) were still the most predictors of hyperuricemia, followed by HC (boys: OR = 1.147, P < 0.001; girls: OR = 1.080, P < 0.05). WC showed a significant association with hyperuricemia only in boys (OR = 1.083, P < 0.05), while BFM showed no association with hyperuricemia in both gender groups after adjusting for age and BMI. Conclusion Our findings suggested that SMM was a stronger predictor of hyperuricemia than BFM in children and adolescents with obesity, especially in boys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyao Xie
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Phoenix K H Mo
- School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Qingya Tang
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuan Zhao
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuelin Zhao
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Cai
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Feng
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Niu
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Nicolucci A, Maffeis C. The adolescent with obesity: what perspectives for treatment? Ital J Pediatr 2022; 48:9. [PMID: 35033162 PMCID: PMC8761267 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-022-01205-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The dramatic increase in overweight and obesity among children and adolescents has become a major public health problem. Obesity in children and young adults is associated with an increased prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors. Obesity during adolescence represents a strong predictor of obesity and higher mortality in adulthood. Due to the serious implications of obesity in adolescents, effective treatments are urgently needed. Lifestyle interventions represent the recommended therapy. Nevertheless, real world data show that the majority of adolescents do not achieve weight loss in the long term, and are reluctant to participate in lifestyle interventions. Pharmacological treatment is recommended if a formal lifestyle modification program fails to limit weight gain or to improve comorbidities. However, until 2020 the European Medicines Agency (EMA) had not approved any pharmacotherapeutic agents for obesity in pediatric patients. On April 2021, EMA has authorized the use of Liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 analog, for the treatment of obesity in adolescents (12–17 years). The efficacy and safety of Liraglutide were demonstrated in a randomized, double-blind trial, enrolling 251 adolescents. After 56 weeks, a reduction in BMI of at least 5% was observed in 43.3% of participants in the liraglutide group vs. 18.7% in the placebo group, and a reduction in BMI of at least 10% was observed in 26.1 and 8.1%, respectively. Gastrointestinal events were the events most frequently reported with liraglutide. Bariatric surgery represents another effective treatment for adolescents with severe obesity, with sustained benefits on weight loss and cardiometabolic risk factors. However, long-term safety and effectiveness data in adolescents are still scarce. Risks of bariatric surgery include the need for additional abdominal surgical procedures and specific micronutrient deficiencies. Hopefully, new pharmacological treatments in addition to lifestyle interventions will offer more chances of success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Nicolucci
- Center for Outcomes Research and Clinical Epidemiology, CORESEARCH SRL, Corso Umberto I, 65122, Pescara, Italy.
| | - Claudio Maffeis
- Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Pediatrics and Gynecology, Section of Pediatric Diabetes and Metabolism, University and Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata of Verona, 37126, Verona, Italy
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Fatty Liver through the Ages- Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH). Endocr Pract 2021; 28:204-213. [PMID: 34952219 DOI: 10.1016/j.eprac.2021.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global epidemic of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus is the main driver of the growing global prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We aimed to review the current literature on NAFLD and NASH as it impacts children and adults. METHODS We performed a literature search on fatty liver specifically non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) among children and adults. RESULTS The prevalence of NAFLD in children ranges from 8%-12% while the prevalence in adults ranges 25%-48%. The prevalence of NASH among children with NAFLD is 23% while it ranges from 13% to 65% in the adults. There are similar risk factors for NAFLD among children and adults. However, in children, the diagnostic tests in the studies of NAFLD are limited to elevation of ALT level or a liver biopsy. In adults, additional diagnostic modalities, including non-invasive tests (NITs), have been used. From the spectrum of NAFLD, those with NASH are predominantly at risk of progressive liver disease to cirrhosis and liver-related mortality. NAFLD is associated with impairment of health-related quality of life and substantial economic burden. CONCLUSION The comprehensive burden (clinical, HRQL and economic) of NAFLD is high and increasing.
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Zhou F, Wang Y, Li Y, Tang M, Wan S, Tian H, Chen X. Decreased Sclerostin Secretion in Humans and Mice With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:707505. [PMID: 34421825 PMCID: PMC8374147 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.707505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Growing evidence argues for a relationship between liver and bone metabolisms. Sclerostin is a secreted glycoprotein and could antagonize osteoblast-mediated bone formation. Previous studies indicated that circulating sclerostin levels may be associated with metabolic parameters with inconsistent results. This study was designed to evaluate serum sclerostin in patients with or without nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and to analyze its relationship with metabolic parameters in different populations. Methods A cross-sectional study was designed and 168 NAFLD subjects and 85 control subjects were included in this study. Serum sclerostin and metabolic parameters were measured. Mouse models of NAFLD were also induced by high-fat diet. Bone structural parameters were determined using microCT and mRNA expression levels of sclerostin in bone and liver tissues were measured. Results Our study suggested that circulating sclerostin levels were significantly lower in NAFLD subjects compared with normal controls. In NAFLD subjects, sclerostin was negatively correlated with multiple metabolic parameters, including waist circumference, urea, hepatic enzyme, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, and triglyceride, while such correlation was not significant in control subjects. Circulating sclerostin was also negatively correlated with fatty liver index in NAFLD subjects but not in control subjects. Mice fed on a high-fat diet had reduced bone mass and lower sclerostin expression levels in both the bone and liver tissues. Conclusions Our study suggested that the liver-lipid-bone interactions may play a key role in the abnormal bone metabolism in NAFLD, and circulating sclerostin may be a surrogate marker to reflect bone metabolism status in NAFLD subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangli Zhou
- Department of Endocrinology, Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Endocrinology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yujue Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mengjia Tang
- Department of Endocrinology, Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shan Wan
- Department of Endocrinology, Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Haoming Tian
- Department of Endocrinology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiang Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Mele C, Crinò A, Fintini D, Mai S, Convertino A, Bocchini S, Di Paolo P, Grugni G, Aimaretti G, Scacchi M, Marzullo P. Angiopoietin-like 8 (ANGPTL8) as a potential predictor of NAFLD in paediatric patients with Prader-Willi Syndrome. J Endocrinol Invest 2021; 44:1447-1456. [PMID: 33067796 PMCID: PMC8195791 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-020-01444-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Angiopoietin-like 8 (ANGPTL8) is a liver- and adipose tissue-produced protein that predicts non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and altered metabolic homeostasis in the general population as well as in persons with common and genetic obesity, including the Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). However, its metabolic correlate in paediatric patients with respect to PWS is unknown. METHODS This cross-sectional study investigated circulating ANGPTL8 and adipocytokines levels in 28 PWS and 28 age-, sex- and BMI-matched children and adolescents (age, 7.0-17.8y) in relation to NAFLD and metabolic homeostasis assessed by OGTT, paediatric metabolic index (PMI) and fatty liver index (FLI), liver ultrasonography (US), as well as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) for analysis of fat (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM). RESULTS At the set level of significance, PWS children showed lower values of FFM (p < 0.01) but healthier insulin profiles (p < 0.01) and PMI values (p < 0.05) than matched controls. By US, the prevalence of NAFLD was similar between groups but less severe in PWS than controls. Analysis of ANGPTL8 levels showed no difference between groups, yet only in PWS ANGPTL8 levels were associated with ALT levels, FLI values and NAFLD. In stepwise multivariable regression analysis on merged data, ANGPTL8 levels were independently predicted by BMI SDS, leptin levels and NAFLD. CONCLUSION ANGPTL8 levels are similar in PWS and controls and, overall, they are directly associated with the presence and severity of NAFLD in patients with PWS.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Mele
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Division of General Medicine, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, San Giuseppe Hospital, Piancavallo, Verbania, Italy
| | - A Crinò
- Reference Center for Prader-Willi Syndrome, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Research Institute, Palidoro (Rome), Italy
| | - D Fintini
- Reference Center for Prader-Willi Syndrome, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Research Institute, Palidoro (Rome), Italy
| | - S Mai
- Laboratory of Metabolic Research, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, San Giuseppe Hospital, Piancavallo, Verbania, Italy
| | - A Convertino
- Reference Center for Prader-Willi Syndrome, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Research Institute, Palidoro (Rome), Italy
| | - S Bocchini
- Reference Center for Prader-Willi Syndrome, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Research Institute, Palidoro (Rome), Italy
| | - P Di Paolo
- Radiology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Research Institute, Palidoro (Rome), Italy
| | - G Grugni
- Division of Auxology and Metabolic Diseases, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, San Giuseppe Hospital, Piancavallo, Verbania, Italy
| | - G Aimaretti
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - M Scacchi
- Division of General Medicine, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, San Giuseppe Hospital, Piancavallo, Verbania, Italy
| | - P Marzullo
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy.
- Division of General Medicine, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, San Giuseppe Hospital, Piancavallo, Verbania, Italy.
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Scapaticci S, D’Adamo E, Mohn A, Chiarelli F, Giannini C. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Obese Youth With Insulin Resistance and Type 2 Diabetes. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:639548. [PMID: 33889132 PMCID: PMC8056131 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.639548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent form of chronic liver disease in children and adolescents worldwide. Simultaneously to the epidemic spreading of childhood obesity, the rate of affected young has dramatically increased in the last decades with an estimated prevalence of NAFLD of 3%-10% in pediatric subjects in the world. The continuous improvement in NAFLD knowledge has significantly defined several risk factors associated to the natural history of this complex liver alteration. Among them, Insulin Resistance (IR) is certainly one of the main features. As well, not surprisingly, abnormal glucose tolerance (prediabetes and diabetes) is highly prevalent among children/adolescents with biopsy-proven NAFLD. In addition, other factors such as genetic, ethnicity, gender, age, puberty and lifestyle might affect the development and progression of hepatic alterations. However, available data are still lacking to confirm whether IR is a risk factor or a consequence of hepatic steatosis. There is also evidence that NAFLD is the hepatic manifestation of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). In fact, NAFLD often coexist with central obesity, impaired glucose tolerance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, which represent the main features of MetS. In this Review, main aspects of the natural history and risk factors of the disease are summarized in children and adolescents. In addition, the most relevant scientific evidence about the association between NAFLD and metabolic dysregulation, focusing on clinical, pathogenetic, and histological implication will be provided with some focuses on the main treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Cosimo Giannini
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
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Hartman C, Rennert HS, Rennert G, Elenberg Y, Zuckerman E. Prevalence of elevated liver enzymes and comorbidities in children and adolescents with overweight and obesity. Acta Paediatr 2021; 110:985-992. [PMID: 32649794 DOI: 10.1111/apa.15469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIM We investigated the prevalence of elevated liver aminotransferases (ALT) and additional comorbidities in a large cohort of Israeli children and adolescents with overweight and obesity. METHODS This study included data from medical records of 2- to 18-year-old children and adolescents, with body mass index (BMI) in the overweight or obesity range (WHO definitions), for whom ALT testing was performed. RESULTS Overweight was present in 50 418 (10.7%) and obesity in 70 515 (15.0%). Elevated ALT, above 30 IU/L (0.51 μkat/L), was reported in 2245 (7.2%) of children with overweight and 5475 (16.8%) of children with obesity (P < .0001). Compared to children with overweight and obesity and ALT within normal range, children with elevated ALT were older (11.9 ± 4.2 vs 10.9 ± 4.2, P < .001), mostly male (68.0% vs 49.4%, P < .001) and had higher BMI (27.3 ± 6.1vs 24.0 ± 4.8, P < .001). They also had a more unfavourable cardiometabolic profile with significantly higher either systolic or diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol and triglycerides, and had more than three criteria defining metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSION In this large cohort, abnormally elevated ALT was present in a high number of individuals with overweight or obesity. The children and adolescents with abnormal ALT had higher BMI, were older, male and had more cardiometabolic risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corina Hartman
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition Unit Lady Davis Carmel Medical Center Haifa Israel
| | - Hedy S Rennert
- Department of Community Medicine and Epidemiology Lady Davis Carmel Medical Center Haifa Israel
| | - Gad Rennert
- Department of Community Medicine and Epidemiology Lady Davis Carmel Medical Center Haifa Israel
- Faculty of Medicine Technion‐Israel Institute of Technology Haifa Israel
| | - Yigal Elenberg
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition Unit Lady Davis Carmel Medical Center Haifa Israel
- Faculty of Medicine Technion‐Israel Institute of Technology Haifa Israel
| | - Eli Zuckerman
- Faculty of Medicine Technion‐Israel Institute of Technology Haifa Israel
- Institute of Liver Diseases Lady Davis Carmel Medical Center Haifa Israel
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12
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Suri A, Song E, van Nispen J, Voigt M, Armstrong A, Murali V, Jain A. Advances in the Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Management of Pediatric Fatty Liver Disease. Clin Ther 2021; 43:438-454. [PMID: 33597074 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2021.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) is a major contributor to pediatric liver disease. This review evaluated the current literature on prevalence, screening, diagnosis, and management of NAFL in children and explored recent advances in the field of pediatric NAFL. METHODS A PubMed search was performed for manuscripts describing disease burden, diagnosis, and management strategies in pediatric NAFL published within the past 15 years. Systematic reviews, clinical practice guidelines, randomized controlled trials, and cohort and case-control studies were reviewed for the purpose of this article. FINDINGS The prevalence of NAFL in children is increasing. It is a leading cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality in children. Screening and diagnosis of NAFL in children are a challenge. Lifestyle changes and exercise are the cornerstones of the management of NAFL. IMPLICATIONS Further research is needed to develop better screening and diagnostic tools for pediatric NAFL, including noninvasive diagnostics. NAFL therapeutics is another area of much-needed, ongoing research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anandini Suri
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
| | - Eric Song
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Johan van Nispen
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Marcus Voigt
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Austin Armstrong
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Vidul Murali
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Ajay Jain
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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13
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Sun Y, Tan Z, Jiang Z, Li M, Wang W, Huang Y, Sun J. Comparative efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese patent medicine for NAFLD in childhood or adolescence: A protocol for a Bayesian network meta analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e24277. [PMID: 33546051 PMCID: PMC7837984 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000024277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is a common reason for chronic liver disease in children and adults. The increasing incidence of the disease has become one of the most critical public health problems in the 21st century, closely related to genetic and environmental factors. So far, apart from changing lifestyle and diet, modern medicine still lacks effective treatment measures. Chinese patent medicine has the advantages of apparent curative effect, overall regulation and fewer side effects. However, there is a lack of research on the simultaneous comparison of various Chinese patent medicines. Therefore, we used a reticular meta-analysis to indirectly compare the efficacy and safety of different oral Chinese patent medicines through standard reference. METHOD We will conduct a comprehensive and systematic search of Chinese and English databases from the beginning to December 2020. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of oral Chinese patent medicine for NAFLD in children will be searched. The 2 researchers then independently filter the retrieved literature, extract the data according to the data extraction table and assess the risk of bias. We will perform a pair of meta-analyses and a Bayesian network meta-analysis. STATA and Win BUGS software will be used for data analysis. RESULTS This study will thoroughly compare and analyze the differences in the efficacy of all kinds of TCPM in NAFLD treatment in childhood or adolescence. CONCLUSION This study will provide reference and evidence support for clinical drug selection optimization. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study does not require ethical approval. INPLASY REGISTRATION NUMBER 2020120068.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuli Sun
- First College of Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Zhaofeng Tan
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Zhenyuan Jiang
- First College of Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
| | - Min Li
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Weiqin Wang
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yaoyao Huang
- First College of Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
| | - Jianguang Sun
- First College of Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
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14
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Albakheet SS, Yoon H, Shin HJ, Koh H, Kim S, Lee MJ. Bone marrow fat change in pediatric patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0234096. [PMID: 32484830 PMCID: PMC7266329 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To investigate changes of fat in bone marrow (BM) and paraspinal muscle (PSM) associated with the degree of fatty liver in pediatric patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in consideration of age and body mass index (BMI). Methods Hepatic fat, BM fat, and PSM fat from proton density fat fraction of liver MRI between June 2015 and April 2019 were quantitatively evaluated on axial images of the fat map at the mid-level of T11-L2 vertebral bodies for BM fat and at the mid-level of L2 for PSM fat. Age, height, and weight at the time of MRI were recorded and BMI was calculated. Correlation analysis was performed. Results A total of 147 patients (114 male) were included with a mean age of 13.3 ± 2.9 years (range 7–18 years). The mean fat fractions were 24.3 ± 13.0% (2–53%) in liver, 37.4 ± 8.6% (17.3–56%) in vertebral BM, and 2.7 ± 1.1% (1.0–6.9%) in PSM. Age, height, weight, and BMI were not correlated with liver fat or BM fat. However, weight (ρ = 0.174, p = 0.035) and BMI (ρ = 0.247, p = 0.003) were positively correlated with PSM fat. Liver fat showed positive correlation with BM fat when adjusting age and BMI (ρ = 0.309, p<0.001), but not with PSM fat. Conclusions BM fat positively correlates with liver fat, but not with age or BMI in pediatric NAFLD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salman S. Albakheet
- Department of Radiology, Severance Hospital, Severance Pediatric Liver Disease Research Group, Research Institute of Radiological Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Radiology, King Faisal General Hospital, Al-Hofuf, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Haesung Yoon
- Department of Radiology, Severance Hospital, Severance Pediatric Liver Disease Research Group, Research Institute of Radiological Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyun Joo Shin
- Department of Radiology, Severance Hospital, Severance Pediatric Liver Disease Research Group, Research Institute of Radiological Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hong Koh
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Severance Children’s Hospital, Severance Pediatric Liver Disease Research Group, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seung Kim
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Severance Children’s Hospital, Severance Pediatric Liver Disease Research Group, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Mi-Jung Lee
- Department of Radiology, Severance Hospital, Severance Pediatric Liver Disease Research Group, Research Institute of Radiological Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- * E-mail:
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15
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Morales Camacho WJ, Molina Díaz JM, Plata Ortiz S, Plata Ortiz JE, Morales Camacho MA, Calderón BP. Childhood obesity: Aetiology, comorbidities, and treatment. Diabetes Metab Res Rev 2019; 35:e3203. [PMID: 31299135 DOI: 10.1002/dmrr.3203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [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: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is currently considered a global epidemic, and its implications in mortality and morbidity in a paediatric patient and in adulthood are increasingly important. The objective of this article is to review in detail the definition of obesity according to age group, and, in turn, the epidemiology of this entity worldwide and in South America. Available evidence about pathophysiology and, additionally, associated comorbidities are reported in some of the most important and clinically relevant body systems. The recommendations on pharmacological and nonpharmacological management through changes in lifestyle and relevant aspects of bariatric surgery in the paediatric population are also described.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Javier Morales Camacho
- Pediatrics, El Bosque University (UEB), Bogotá D.C., Colombia
- Investigation Group of Pediatrics, El Bosque University (UEB), Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Jorge Mario Molina Díaz
- Department of Child Endocrinology, Federico Gómez Children's Hospital of Mexico (HIMFG), Mexico City, Mexico
- Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Sandra Plata Ortiz
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Santander (UDES), Bucaramanga, Colombia
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16
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Nobili V, Mantovani A, Cianfarani S, Alisi A, Mosca A, Sartorelli MR, Maffeis C, Loomba R, Byrne CD, Targher G. Prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes in children and adolescents with biopsy-proven non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. J Hepatol 2019; 71:802-810. [PMID: 31279904 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2019.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS We undertook a cross-sectional study of children/adolescents with and without non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to compare the prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes, and to examine the role of abnormal glucose tolerance as a predictor of liver disease severity. METHODS We recruited a cohort of 599 Caucasian children/adolescents with biopsy-proven NAFLD, and 118 children/adolescents without NAFLD, who were selected to be similar for age, sex, body mass index and waist circumference to those with NAFLD. The diagnosis of prediabetes and diabetes was based on either hemoglobin A1c, fasting plasma glucose or 2 h post-load glucose concentrations. RESULTS Children/adolescents with NAFLD had a significantly higher prevalence of abnormal glucose tolerance (prediabetes or diabetes) than those without NAFLD (20.6% vs. 11%, p = 0.02). In particular, 124 (20.6%) children/adolescents with NAFLD had abnormal glucose tolerance, with 19.8% (n = 119) satisfying the diagnostic criteria for prediabetes and 0.8% (n = 5) satisfying the criteria for diabetes. The combined presence of prediabetes and diabetes was associated with a nearly 2.2-fold increased risk of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH; unadjustedodds ratio 2.19; 95% CI 1.47-3.29; p <0.001). However, this association was attenuated (but remained significant) after adjustment for age, sex, waist circumference (adjustedodds ratio 1.69, 95% CI 1.06-2.69, p = 0.032), and the PNPLA3 rs738409 polymorphism. Both this PNPLA3 polymorphism and waist circumference were strongly associated with NASH. CONCLUSIONS Abnormal glucose tolerance (especially prediabetes) is highly prevalent among children/adolescents with biopsy-proven NAFLD. These children also have a higher risk of NASH, though central adiposity is the factor that is most strongly associated with NASH. LAY SUMMARY Children with biopsy-proven non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have a higher prevalence of abnormal glucose tolerance (prediabetes or type 2 diabetes) than children without NAFLD. Children with biopsy-proven NAFLD and abnormal glucose tolerance also have a higher prevalence of the progressive form of disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, than those with normal glucose tolerance, though central adiposity is the factor that is most strongly associated with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Nobili
- Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Nutrition Unit, IRCCS "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy; Department of Pediatric, University "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mantovani
- Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University and Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Stefano Cianfarani
- Dipartimento Pediatrico Universitario Ospedaliero "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital-IRCCS, "Tor Vergata" University, Rome, Italy; Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Alisi
- Research Unit of Molecular Genetics of Complex Phenotypes, IRCCS "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Mosca
- Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Nutrition Unit, IRCCS "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rita Sartorelli
- Hepato-Metabolic Disease Unit, "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Maffeis
- Pediatric Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders Unit, Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Pediatrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Rohit Loomba
- NAFLD Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Christopher D Byrne
- Nutrition and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK; Southampton National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Giovanni Targher
- Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University and Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata of Verona, Verona, Italy.
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Greber-Platzer S, Thajer A, Bohn S, Brunert A, Boerner F, Siegfried W, Artlich A, Moeckel A, Waldecker-Krebs H, Pauer S, Holl RW. Increased liver echogenicity and liver enzymes are associated with extreme obesity, adolescent age and male gender: analysis from the German/Austrian/Swiss obesity registry APV. BMC Pediatr 2019; 19:332. [PMID: 31514755 PMCID: PMC6739932 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-019-1711-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Childhood obesity is often associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common chronic liver disease in pediatrics. Methods This multi-center study analyzed liver echogenicity and liver enzymes in relation to obesity, age, gender and comorbidities. Data were collected using a standardized documentation software (APV) from 1.033 pediatric patients (age: 4–18 years, body mass index = BMI: 28–36 kg/m2, 50% boys) with overweight (BMI >90th percentile), obesity (BMI >97th percentile) or extreme obesity (BMI > 99.5th percentile) and obesity related comorbidities, especially NAFLD from 26 centers of Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Liver enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine-aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma glutamyltransferase (gammaGT) were evaluated using 2 cut-off values a) > 25 U/L and b) > 50 U/L. Multiple logistic regression models were used for statistical analysis. Results In total, 44% of the patients showed increased liver echogenicity. Liver enzymes > 25 U/L were present in 64% and > 50 U/L in 17%. Increased liver echogenicity was associated with elevated liver enzymes (> 25 U/L: odds ratio (OR) = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.1–1.9, P < 0.02; > 50 U/L: OR = 3.5, 95% CI: 2.4–5.1, P < 0.0001). Extreme obesity, adolescence and male gender were associated with increased liver echogenicity (extreme obesity vs overweight OR = 3.5, 95% CI: 1.9–6.1, P < 0.0001; age > 14 years vs age < 9 years OR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.4–3.5, P < 0.001; boys vs girls OR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.2–2.0, P < 0.001) and elevated liver enzymes (extreme obesity vs overweight > 25 U/L: OR = 4.1, 95% CI: 2.4–6.9, P < 0.0001; > 50 U/L: OR = 18.5, 95% CI: 2.5–135, P < 0.0001; age > 14 years vs age < 9 years > 50 U/L: OR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.0–3.7, P > 0.05; boys vs girls > 25 U/L: OR = 3.1, 95% CI: 2.4–4.1, P < 0.0001; > 50 U/L: OR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.5–2.9, P < 0.0001). Impaired glucose metabolism showed a significant correlation with elevated liver enzymes > 50 U/L (OR = 4.4, 95% CI: 1.6–11.8, P < 0.005). Arterial hypertension seemed to occur in patients with elevated liver enzymes > 25 U/L (OR 1.6, 95% CI: 1.2–2.0, P < 0.005). Conclusions NAFLD is strongly related to extreme obesity in male adolescents. Moreover impaired glucose tolerance was observed in patients with elevated liver enzymes > 50 U/L, but arterial hypertension was only present in patients with moderately elevated liver enzymes > 25 U/L.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Greber-Platzer
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Allergology and Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Alexandra Thajer
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Allergology and Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Svenja Bohn
- Specialist Hospital for Pediatric Rehabilitation, 25946, Nebel, Amrum, Germany
| | - Annette Brunert
- Children`s Hospital Prinzessin Margaret, 64287, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Felicitas Boerner
- High Mountains Clinic Mittelberg, Rehabilitation for Children and Adolescents, 87466, Oy-Mittelberg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Siegfried
- Obesity Rehabilitation Center Insula, 83483, Strub, Bischofswiesen, Germany
| | - Andreas Artlich
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Oberschwabenklinik, 88212, Ravensburg, Germany
| | - Anja Moeckel
- Department of Paediatrics, HELIOS Hospital of the district Gotha, 99867, Gotha, Germany
| | | | - Sophie Pauer
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Allergology and Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Reinhard W Holl
- Institute of Epidemiology and Medical Biometry, ZIBMT, University of Ulm, 89081, Ulm, Germany
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Mantovani A, Gatti D, Zoppini G, Lippi G, Bonora E, Byrne CD, Nobili V, Targher G. Association Between Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Reduced Bone Mineral Density in Children: A Meta-Analysis. Hepatology 2019; 70:812-823. [PMID: 30706504 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Recent cross-sectional studies have examined the association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and bone mineral density (BMD) in children or adolescents, but these have produced conflicting results. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of these published studies to quantify the magnitude of the association, if any, between NAFLD and BMD. We searched publication databases from January 2000 to September 2018, using predefined keywords to identify relevant observational studies conducted in children or adolescents in whom NAFLD was diagnosed either by imaging or by histology and BMD Z score was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Data from selected studies were extracted, and a meta-analysis was performed using random-effects modeling. A total of eight observational cross-sectional or case-control studies enrolling 632 children and adolescents (mean age 12.8 years), 357 of whom had NAFLD, were included in the final analysis. Meta-analysis showed significant differences in whole-body or lumbar BMD Z scores between children/adolescents with and without NAFLD (n = 6 studies; pooled weighted mean difference [WMD], -0.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.74 to -0.21; I2 = 55.5%), as well as between those with biopsy-confirmed nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and those with no-NASH (n = 4 studies; pooled WMD, -0.27; 95% CI, -0.40 to -0.13; I2 = 0%). The aforementioned WMDs in BMD Z scores were independent of common clinical risk factors, such as age, sex, race/ethnicity, and body mass index. Sensitivity analyses did not modify these findings. Funnel plot and Egger test did not reveal significant publication bias. Conclusion: This meta-analysis shows that the presence and severity of NAFLD are significantly associated with reduced whole-body BMD Z scores in children and adolescents; however, the observational design of the studies included does not allow for proving causality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Mantovani
- Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University and Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Davide Gatti
- Section of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University and Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Giacomo Zoppini
- Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University and Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lippi
- Section of Clinical Biochemistry, University and Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Enzo Bonora
- Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University and Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Christopher D Byrne
- Nutrition and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.,Southampton National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK
| | - Valerio Nobili
- Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Nutrition Unit, IRCCS "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy.,Department of Pediatrics, University "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Targher
- Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University and Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata of Verona, Verona, Italy
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The Level of Vitamin D in Children and Adolescents with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Meta-Analysis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:7643542. [PMID: 31380438 PMCID: PMC6662475 DOI: 10.1155/2019/7643542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background The relationship between vitamin D level and NAFLD has not been investigated in children and adolescents. We performed a meta-analysis of published observational studies to assess this association between vitamin D levels (measured as serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D]) and NAFLD in this age group. Methods Relevant studies conducted before May 20, 2018, were identified from the following electronic databases: PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, and the Chinese CNKI databases. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale, and associations between vitamin D levels and NAFLD were estimated using standardised mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Subgroup and sensitivity analysis were used to identify sources of heterogeneity, and publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots. Results Eight articles were included in this meta-analysis. A significant difference was observed between low 25(OH)D levels and NAFLD in children and adolescents (SMD = -0.59, 95%CI = -0.98, -0.20, P < 0.01). Subgroup analysis revealed no differences in the study type, geographic location, BMI, and age subgroups. Conclusions Low vitamin D levels were associated with NAFLD in children and adolescents.
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Targher G, Mantovani A, Alisi A, Mosca A, Panera N, Byrne CD, Nobili V. Relationship Between PNPLA3 rs738409 Polymorphism and Decreased Kidney Function in Children With NAFLD. Hepatology 2019; 70:142-153. [PMID: 30912854 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein-3 (PNPLA3) rs738409 genotype (the major genetic variant associated with susceptibility to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD]) is associated with decreased kidney function in adults. Currently, it is uncertain whether this association also occurs in children/adolescents and whether any association is independent of liver disease severity. We enrolled a sample of 142 Caucasian children and adolescents with biopsy-proven NAFLD, presenting to the Liver Unit of the "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital. The glomerular filtration rate (e-GFR) was estimated using the Bedside Schwartz equation, whereas 24-hour proteinuria was measured using a radioimmunoassay method. Genotyping for the PNPLA3 rs738409 genotype was undertaken using the single-nucleotide polymorphism genotyping allelic discrimination method. Overall, 45 children had G/G, 56 had G/C, and 41 had C/C PNPLA3 rs738409 genotype, respectively. Children with G/G genotype had significantly lower e-GFR (107.5 ± 20 versus 112.8 ± 18 versus 125.3 ± 23 mL/min/1.73 m2 , P = 0.002) and higher 24-hour proteinuria (58.5 ± 21 versus 53.9 ± 22 versus 42.9 ± 20 mg/day, P = 0.012) compared with those with either G/C or C/C genotypes. After adjustment for age, sex, systolic blood pressure, measures of adiposity, homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance and biopsy-confirmed nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and stage of liver fibrosis, the presence of rs738409 G/G genotype was independently associated with both lower e-GFR (β coefficient: -23.6; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -36.3 to -10.8; P < 0.001) and higher 24-hour proteinuria (β coefficient: 15.3; 95% CI: 1.12 to 30.5; P = 0.046). Conclusion: Regardless of established renal risk factors and the histological severity of NAFLD, the PNPLA3 G/G genotype was strongly associated with decreasing kidney function and increasing 24-hour proteinuria in children/adolescents with histologically confirmed NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Targher
- Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University and Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mantovani
- Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University and Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Anna Alisi
- Research Unit of Molecular Genetics of Complex Phenotypes, IRCCS "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Mosca
- Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Nutrition Unit, IRCCS "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Nadia Panera
- Research Unit of Molecular Genetics of Complex Phenotypes, IRCCS "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Christopher D Byrne
- Nutrition and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom.,Southampton National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Valerio Nobili
- Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Nutrition Unit, IRCCS "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy.,Department of Pediatrics, University "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
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D'Adamo E, Castorani V, Nobili V. The Liver in Children With Metabolic Syndrome. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:514. [PMID: 31428049 PMCID: PMC6687849 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is recognized as an emerging health risk in obese children and adolescents. NAFLD represents a wide spectrum of liver conditions, ranging from asymptomatic steatosis to steatohepatitis. The growing prevalence of fatty liver disease in children is associated with an increased risk of metabolic and cardiovascular complications. NAFLD is considered the hepatic manifestation of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and several lines of evidence have reported that children with NAFLD present one or more features of MetS. The pathogenetic mechanisms explaining the interrelationships between fatty liver disease and MetS are not clearly understood. Altough central obesity and insulin resistance seem to represent the core of the pathophysiology in both diseases, genetic susceptibility and enviromental triggers are emerging as crucial components promoting the development of NAFLD and MetS in children. In the present review we have identified and summarizied studies discussing current pathogenetic data of the association between NAFLD and MetS in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebe D'Adamo
- Department of Neonatology, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
- *Correspondence: Ebe D'Adamo
| | | | - Valerio Nobili
- Department of Pediatrics, University “La Sapienza”, Rome, Italy
- Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Nutrition Unit, IRCCS “Bambino Gesù” Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
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Abstract
The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has increased substantially in the past two decades and NAFLD has now become the most common cause of chronic liver disease in children and adolescents. NAFLD is a broad clinicopathologic spectrum ranging from simple steatosis to varying degrees of necroinflammation called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), leading to fibrosis and subsequently to cirrhosis. Despite the increasing prevalence and progressive nature of NAFLD even among children, therapy for NAFLD in both adults and children are limited. Weight loss remains the only consistently effective therapy for NAFLD. Pharmacologic options are even more limited in children than in adults with NAFLD. Vitamin E has been shown to be effective in improving histology in children with NASH. Few pharmacologic options such as metformin, probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, and cysteamine bitartrate have been studied in children, with limited beneficial effects. However, these studies are limited by small sample size and heterogeneity of outcome assessment after treatment. Recent studies show promising results with bariatric surgery with regards to weight loss and improvement in liver histology in adolescents with NAFLD. In this review article, we discuss epidemiology, pathophysiology, and extrahepatic comorbidities of pediatric NAFLD and review existing therapeutic options for children with NAFLD. We also review novel therapeutic strategies studied in adults that could potentially be studied in children in the future.
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Vikram NK. Cardiovascular and Metabolic Complications - Diagnosis and Management in Obese Children. Indian J Pediatr 2018; 85:535-545. [PMID: 29218646 DOI: 10.1007/s12098-017-2504-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The world at present is facing a burden of rising prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents. The developing countries are particularly facing the dual burden on under-nutrition and obesity. This is associated with appearance and clustering of cardiometabolic abnormalities at an early age with development of chronic complications early and possible decrease in life span of these children and adolescents. In adults this clustering has been termed as 'metabolic syndrome' with definitions that can be used universally. However, in children and adolescents there is no consensus on a uniform definition of metabolic syndrome that can be applicable across the age groups and various ethnicities. Further, as childhood is a period of growth and development, changes in body composition and insulin sensitivity that occur with puberty may influence the thresholds of components used to define metabolic syndrome. Children of South Asian ethnicity appear to be more predisposed to develop abnormalities of metabolic syndrome, possible due to their adverse body fat patterning and genetic influences. The definition of pediatric metabolic syndrome proposed by International Diabetes Federation is useful across different ethnicities. Presence of at least one component of metabolic syndrome should lead to detailed screening for other components and complications. A multimodality approach including therapeutic lifestyle changes targeted at the individual, family and community is essential for management. Pharmacotherapy for individual components may be required if initial management strategies fail to achieve the goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naval K Vikram
- Department of Medicine, Metabolic Research Group, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India.
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Roychowdhury S, Selvakumar PC, Cresci GAM. The Role of the Gut Microbiome in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Med Sci (Basel) 2018; 6:E47. [PMID: 29874807 PMCID: PMC6024579 DOI: 10.3390/medsci6020047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Revised: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading cause of chronic liver disease, with prevalence increasing in parallel with the rising incidence in obesity. Believed to be a "multiple-hit" disease, several factors contribute to NAFLD initiation and progression. Of these, the gut microbiome is gaining interest as a significant factor in NAFLD prevalence. In this paper, we provide an in-depth review of the progression of NAFLD, discussing the mechanistic modes of hepatocyte injury and the potential role for manipulation of the gut microbiome as a therapeutic strategy in the prevention and treatment of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjoy Roychowdhury
- Department of Inflammation & Immunity, M17, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
| | | | - Gail A M Cresci
- Department of Inflammation & Immunity, M17, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, M17, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
- Director for Nutrition Research Center for Human Nutrition, M17, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
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