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Andres UM, Mansker BL, Suttles S, Naramore SK. Understanding the relationship between limited neighbourhood food access and health outcomes of children with obesity. Pediatr Obes 2024:e13151. [PMID: 39092555 DOI: 10.1111/ijpo.13151] [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: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood obesity is a growing worldwide epidemic that requires a biopsychosocial treatment approach to achieve a healthy lifestyle. This study on children in a weight management program examines the relationship between obesity, disease complications, and social determinants of health. We expect that children with higher degrees of obesity are more likely to live in areas lacking access to healthy food and have similar behavioural and socioeconomic characteristics. METHODS Program participants were identified by neighbourhood food access status based on their home address. The prevalence of comorbidities in the participants was analyzed according to neighbourhood food accessibility. Multivariate regressions evaluated the association between participants' health outcomes and their sociodemographic and geographical characteristics. RESULTS A total of 283 (98.3%) participants had a BMI ≥95th percentile for their age and sex and 68 (23.6%) lived in neighbourhoods with limited food access. Almost a third (Adj. R2 = 0.3302; p < 0.01) of the variability in study population's BMI was driven by sociodemographic factors, self-reported eating and physical activity behaviours, and had a positive relationship with access to healthy food. Nonetheless, HbA1c had a negative relationship with access to healthy food given the limited variation in the sample of participants with HbA1c levels indicating diabetes. CONCLUSION Children living in neighbourhoods with limited food access had higher BMIs than other program participants. Thus, it is critical to identify children with limited neighbourhood food accessibility and promote societal and legislative change to improve access to healthy food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Unai Miguel Andres
- Division of Children's Health Services Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Beau L Mansker
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Shellye Suttles
- Indiana University Paul H. O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Sara K Naramore
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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2
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Ezenwuba BN, Hynes CM. Ultrasound screening of paediatric non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): A critical literature review. Radiography (Lond) 2024; 30:1317-1325. [PMID: 39059181 DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2024.07.006] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Paediatric NAFLD is an increasing global health concern, which can be effectively managed with early detection. Screening, using accurate, affordable, and accessible tests is recommended, however, there is currently no consensus on the most appropriate tests. Although ultrasound techniques are widely used, their performance against reference tests have not been fully assessed. METHODS A literature search of related databases for peer-reviewed original articles published from January 2010-March 2024 was conducted. Appropriate tools were used to systematise and document the search results and selected studies were quality assessed and critically appraised. Extracted data was subjected to thematic analysis and narrative synthesis. RESULTS Eighteen articles met the inclusion criteria. B-mode and Quantitative ultrasound techniques were compared against MR spectroscopy, MRI-PDFF and Liver biopsy. CONCLUSION Liver echogenicity and Steato-scores were the B-mode methods used. The former was less effective, with a maximum reported sensitivity of 70%. The latter reached up to 100% sensitivity, and >80% specificity. Ultrasound performed better with moderate-severe steatosis. There was not enough evidence to support steatosis grading, possibly due to small sample sizes and lack of established cut-off values. QUS (Quantitative Ultrasound)) methods including Continuous Attenuation Parameter (CAP), Attenuation Coefficient (AC), Ultrasound derived fat fraction (UDFF), Tissue Scatter Imaging (TSI) Hepato-Renal Index (HRI), Heterogeneity Index (HIA), Computer Assisted Ultrasound (CAUS) and Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS-based Image analysis performed better than B-mode methods. Although QUS demonstrated excellent performance, with sensitivity and specificity of up to 100%, this will require further verification before implementation in practice. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Ultrasound techniques can effectively be used for paediatric NAFLD screening, especially in higher-risk subjects. The steato-scores method is currently recommendable for this, with excellent potential for the use of QUS, after cut-off values and validation requirements have been addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - C M Hynes
- Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK.
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Babu Balagopal P, Kohli R, Uppal V, Averill L, Shah C, McGoogan K, Di Guglielmo M, Goran M, Hossain MJ. Effect of N-acetyl cysteine in children with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease-A pilot study. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2024. [PMID: 38973318 DOI: 10.1002/jpn3.12312] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), previously known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and its sequelae of more severe forms such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is rapidly increasing in children with the rise in obesity. Successful and sustainable treatments for MASLD are lacking in children. We determined the therapeutic effect of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) on biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation and insulin resistance (IR), liver enzymes, liver fat fraction (LFF) and (LS) in children with obesity and biopsy-confirmed MASLD. METHODS Thirteen children (n = 13; age: 13.6 ± 2.8 years; NAS score >2) underwent a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of NAC (either 600 or 1200 mg NAC/day) or placebo for 16 weeks. Measurements included LFF (magnetic resonance imaging), LS (ultrasound elastography), and body composition. Erythrocyte glutathione (GSH), liver enzymes, insulin, glucose, adiponectin, high-sensitivity c-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were also measured. HOMA-IR was calculated. RESULTS Sixteen-week NAC treatment improved (baseline adjusted between-group p < .05 for all) markers of inflammation (IL-6 and hs-CRP), oxidative stress (GSH), and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and reduced liver enzymes, LFF and LS. Body weight and body composition did not show beneficial changes. CONCLUSIONS Sixteen-week NAC treatment was well tolerated in children with obesity and MASLD and led to improvements in oxidative stress, inflammation and IR and liver outcomes. The results from this pilot study support further investigation of NAC as a therapeutic agent in children with MASLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Babu Balagopal
- Department of Research and Pediatrics, Nemours Children's Health, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Rohit Kohli
- Department of Pediatrics, University of South California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Vikas Uppal
- Department of Pediatrics, Nemours Children's Health, Wilmington, Delaware, USA
| | - Lauren Averill
- Department of Pediatrics, Nemours Children's Health, Wilmington, Delaware, USA
| | - Chetan Shah
- Department of Research and Pediatrics, Nemours Children's Health, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Katherine McGoogan
- Department of Research and Pediatrics, Nemours Children's Health, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | | | - Michael Goran
- Department of Pediatrics, University of South California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Md Jobayer Hossain
- Department of Pediatrics, Nemours Children's Health, Wilmington, Delaware, USA
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Wang A, Blackford AL, Behling C, Wilson LA, Newton KP, Xanthakos SA, Fishbein MH, Vos MB, Mouzaki M, Molleston JP, Jain AK, Hertel P, Harlow Adams K, Schwimmer JB. Development of Fibro-PeN, a clinical prediction model for moderate-to-severe fibrosis in children with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Hepatology 2024; 79:1381-1392. [PMID: 37870272 PMCID: PMC11035485 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Liver fibrosis is common in children with NAFLD and is an important determinant of outcomes. High-performing noninvasive models to assess fibrosis in children are needed. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the performance of existing pediatric and adult fibrosis prediction models and to develop a clinical prediction rule for identifying moderate-to-severe fibrosis in children with NAFLD. APPROACH AND RESULTS We enrolled children with biopsy-proven NAFLD in the Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Clinical Research Network within 90 days of liver biopsy. We staged liver fibrosis in consensus using the Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Clinical Research Network scoring system. We evaluated existing pediatric and adult models for fibrosis and developed a new pediatric model using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator with linear and spline terms for discriminating moderate-to-severe fibrosis from none or mild fibrosis. The model was internally validated with 10-fold cross-validation. We evaluated 1055 children with NAFLD, of whom 26% had moderate-to-severe fibrosis. Existing models performed poorly in classifying fibrosis in children, with area under the receiver operator curves (AUC) ranging from 0.57 to 0.64. In contrast, our new model, fibrosis in pediatric NAFLD was derived from fourteen common clinical variables and had an AUC of 0.79 (95% CI: 0.77-0.81) with 72% sensitivity and 76% specificity for identifying moderate-to-severe fibrosis. CONCLUSION Existing fibrosis prediction models have limited clinical utility in children with NAFLD. Fibrosis in pediatric NAFLD offers improved performance characteristics for risk stratification by identifying moderate-to-severe fibrosis in children with NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Gastroenterology, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Amanda L Blackford
- Department of Oncology, Division of Quantitative Sciences, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Cynthia Behling
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Laura A Wilson
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kimberly P Newton
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Gastroenterology, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Stavra A Xanthakos
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Mark H Fishbein
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Miriam B Vos
- Emory University and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Marialena Mouzaki
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Jean P Molleston
- Riley Hospital for Children, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Ajay K Jain
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Paula Hertel
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Kathryn Harlow Adams
- Riley Hospital for Children, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Jeffrey B Schwimmer
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Gastroenterology, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California, USA
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5
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Qin ZW, Ren QN, Zhang HX, Liu YR, Huang K, Wu W, Dong GP, Ni Y, Fu JF. Development and validation of a novel non-invasive test for diagnosing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in Chinese children. World J Pediatr 2024; 20:413-421. [PMID: 37004681 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-023-00704-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the exploding prevalence of obesity, many children are at risk of developing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Using anthropometric and laboratory parameters, our study aimed to develop a model to quantitatively evaluate liver fat content (LFC) in children with obesity. METHODS A well-characterized cohort of 181 children between 5 and 16 years of age were recruited to the study in the Endocrinology Department as the derivation cohort. The external validation cohort comprised 77 children. The assessment of liver fat content was performed using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Anthropometry and laboratory metrics were measured in all subjects. B-ultrasound examination was carried out in the external validation cohort. The Kruskal-Wallis test, Spearman bivariate correlation analyses, univariable linear regressions and multivariable linear regression were used to build the optimal predictive model. RESULTS The model was based on indicators including alanine aminotransferase, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, triglycerides, waist circumference and Tanner stage. The adjusted R2 of the model was 0.589, which presented high sensitivity and specificity both in internal [sensitivity of 0.824, specificity of 0.900, area under curve (AUC) of 0.900 with a 95% confidence interval: 0.783-1.000] and external validation (sensitivity of 0.918 and specificity of 0.821, AUC of 0.901 with a 95% confidence interval: 0.818-0.984). CONCLUSIONS Our model based on five clinical indicators was simple, non-invasive, and inexpensive; it had high sensitivity and specificity in predicting LFC in children. Thus, it may be useful for identifying children with obesity who are at risk for developing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe-Wen Qin
- Division of Endocrinology, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children's Regional Medical Center, The Children's HospitalDepartment of Endocrinology, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children's Regional Medical Center, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310052, China
| | - Qian-Nan Ren
- Division of Endocrinology, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children's Regional Medical Center, The Children's HospitalDepartment of Endocrinology, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children's Regional Medical Center, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310052, China
| | - Hong-Xi Zhang
- Department of Radiology, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children's Regional Medical Center, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310052, China
| | - Ya-Ru Liu
- Division of Endocrinology, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children's Regional Medical Center, The Children's HospitalDepartment of Endocrinology, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children's Regional Medical Center, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310052, China
| | - Ke Huang
- Division of Endocrinology, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children's Regional Medical Center, The Children's HospitalDepartment of Endocrinology, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children's Regional Medical Center, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310052, China
| | - Wei Wu
- Division of Endocrinology, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children's Regional Medical Center, The Children's HospitalDepartment of Endocrinology, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children's Regional Medical Center, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310052, China
| | - Guan-Ping Dong
- Division of Endocrinology, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children's Regional Medical Center, The Children's HospitalDepartment of Endocrinology, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children's Regional Medical Center, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310052, China
| | - Yan Ni
- Division of Endocrinology, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children's Regional Medical Center, The Children's HospitalDepartment of Endocrinology, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children's Regional Medical Center, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310052, China
| | - Jun-Fen Fu
- Division of Endocrinology, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children's Regional Medical Center, The Children's HospitalDepartment of Endocrinology, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children's Regional Medical Center, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310052, China.
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6
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Hang Nghiem-Rao T, Johnson JS, Pan A, Atkinson SN, Behling C, Simpson PM, Holtz ML, Weinstock GM, Schwimmer JB, Salzman NH. A serum-induced gene signature in hepatocytes is associated with pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2024; 78:886-897. [PMID: 38390691 DOI: 10.1002/jpn3.12163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a growing problem, but its underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. We used transcriptomic reporter cell assays to investigate differences in transcriptional signatures induced in hepatocyte reporter cells by the sera of children with and without NAFLD. METHODS We studied serum samples from 45 children with NAFLD and 28 children without NAFLD. The sera were used to induce gene expression in cultured HepaRG cells and RNA-sequencing was used to determine gene expression. Computational techniques were used to compare gene expression patterns. RESULTS Sera from children with NAFLD induced the expression of 195 genes that were significantly differentially expressed in hepatocytes compared to controls with obesity. NAFLD was associated with increased expression of genes promoting inflammation, collagen synthesis, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Additionally, there was lower expression of genes involved in endobiotic and xenobiotic metabolism, and downregulation of peroxisome function, oxidative phosphorylation, and xenobiotic, bile acid, and fatty acid metabolism. A 13-gene signature, including upregulation of TREM1 and MMP1 and downregulation of CYP2C9, was consistently associated with all diagnostic categories of pediatric NAFLD. CONCLUSION The extracellular milieu of sera from children with NAFLD induced specific gene profiles distinguishable by a hepatocyte reporter system. Circulating factors may contribute to inflammation and extracellular matrix remodeling and impair xenobiotic and endobiotic metabolism in pediatric NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Hang Nghiem-Rao
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jethro S Johnson
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
- Oxford Centre for Microbiome Studies, Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Amy Pan
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Quantitative Health Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
- Center for Microbiome Research, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Samantha N Atkinson
- Center for Microbiome Research, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Cynthia Behling
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, San Diego School of Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Pathology, Sharp Medical Center, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Pippa M Simpson
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Quantitative Health Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Mary L Holtz
- Center for Microbiome Research, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - George M Weinstock
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jeffrey B Schwimmer
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, San Diego School of Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Gastroenterology, Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Nita H Salzman
- Center for Microbiome Research, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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Serbis A, Polyzos SA, Paschou SA, Siomou E, Kiortsis DN. Diet, exercise, and supplements: what is their role in the management of the metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in children? Endocrine 2024:10.1007/s12020-024-03783-7. [PMID: 38519764 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-024-03783-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), previously known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is the main cause of chronic liver disease in children and adolescents. Indeed, epidemiological studies have shown that MASLD affects up to 40% of children with obesity. Despite the recent approval of medications that target weight loss in adolescents that could have benefits on pediatric MASLD, lifestyle interventions, such as diet and exercise, remain the mainstay of our therapeutic approach. More specifically, studies on diet alone have focused on the possible role of carbohydrate or fat restriction, albeit without a definite answer on the best approach. Weight loss after dietary intervention in children with obesity and MASLD has a beneficial effect, regardless of the diet used. In relation to the role of exercise in MASLD reversal, indirect evidence comes from studies showing that a sedentary lifestyle leading to poor fitness, and low muscle mass is associated with MASLD. However, research on the direct effect of exercise on MASLD in children is scarce. A combination of diet and exercise seems to be beneficial with several studies showing improvement in surrogate markers of MASLD, such as serum alanine aminotransferase and hepatic fat fraction, the latter evaluated with imaging studies. Several dietary supplements, such as vitamin E, probiotics, and omega-3 fatty acid supplements have also been studied in children and adolescents with MASLD, but with equivocal results. This review aims to critically present available data on the effects of lifestyle interventions, including diet, exercise, and dietary supplements, on pediatric MASLD, thus suggesting a frame for future research that could enhance our knowledge on pediatric MASLD management and optimize clinicians' approach to this vexing medical condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasios Serbis
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.
| | - Stergios A Polyzos
- First Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stavroula A Paschou
- Endocrine Unit and Diabetes Center, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ekaterini Siomou
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Dimitrios N Kiortsis
- Laboratory of Physiology, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
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Kraus EM, Pierce SL, Porter R, Kompaniyets L, Vos MB, Blanck HM, King RJ, Goodman AB. Using Real-World Electronic Health Record Data to Assess Chronic Disease Screening in Children: A Case Study of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Child Obes 2024; 20:41-47. [PMID: 36862137 PMCID: PMC10790548 DOI: 10.1089/chi.2022.0208] [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] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
Background: Data sources for assessing pediatric chronic diseases and associated screening practices are rare. One example is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a common chronic liver disease prevalent among children with overweight and obesity. If undetected, NAFLD can cause liver damage. Guidelines recommend screening for NAFLD using alanine aminotransferase (ALT) tests in children ≥9 years with obesity or those with overweight and cardiometabolic risk factors. This study explores how real-world data from electronic health records (EHRs) can be used to study NAFLD screening and ALT elevation. Research Design: Using IQVIA's Ambulatory Electronic Medical Record database, we studied patients 2-19 years of age with body mass index ≥85th percentile. Using a 3-year observation period (January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2021), ALT results were extracted and assessed for elevation (≥1 ALT result ≥22.1 U/L for females and ≥25.8 U/L for males). Patients with liver disease (including NAFLD) or receiving hepatotoxic medications during 2017-2018 were excluded. Results: Among 919,203 patients 9-19 years of age, only 13% had ≥1 ALT result, including 14% of patients with obesity and 17% of patients with severe obesity. ALT results were identified for 5% of patients 2-8 years of age. Of patients with ALT results, 34% of patients 2-8 years of age and 38% of patients 9-19 years of age had ALT elevation. Males 9-19 years of age had a higher prevalence of ALT elevation than females (49% vs. 29%). Conclusions: EHR data offered novel insights into NAFLD screening: despite screening recommendations, ALT results among children with excess weight were infrequent. Among those with ALT results, ALT elevation was common, underscoring the importance of screening for early disease detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M. Kraus
- Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Public Health Informatics Institute, Taskforce for Global Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Samantha Lange Pierce
- Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Renee Porter
- Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
- McKing Consulting Corporation, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Lyudmyla Kompaniyets
- Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Miriam B. Vos
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Heidi M. Blanck
- Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
- United States Public Health Service, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Raymond J. King
- Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Alyson B. Goodman
- Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
- United States Public Health Service, Washington, DC, USA
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9
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Chiou FK, Goh L, Ho CWW, Rajan C, Logarajah V, Ng LQ, Phua KB. Clinical profile, referral trends, and real-world application of vibration-controlled transient elastography in children with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in Singapore. JGH Open 2024; 8:e13020. [PMID: 38268961 PMCID: PMC10805478 DOI: 10.1002/jgh3.13020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Background and Aim Pediatric non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a progressive disorder that is increasing in incidence globally. The study aims to describe the clinical profile and longitudinal outcome, including the utility of vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE), in children with NAFLD at a single tertiary liver unit in Singapore. Methods Retrospective review of patients aged 0-18 years referred for NAFLD from 2003 to 2020 was conducted. Diagnosis was based on persistent elevation of alanine transaminase ≥2× the upper limit of normal in at-risk patients, and/or radiologic detection of hepatic steatosis, with the exclusion of other etiologies. VCTE-derived liver stiffness measurements (LSMs) ≤7.0 , 7.1-9.0, and ≥9.1 kPa were used to differentiate normal (F0-F1), significant fibrosis (F2), and advanced fibrosis (F3-F4), respectively. Results The study included 210 patients (72.4% male, mean age 11.6 years). New cases increased from 1.7/1000 referrals in 2003-2008 to 12.7 and 24.5/1000 referrals in 2009-2014 and 2015-2020, respectively. Significant proportion had dyslipidemia (41.4%), impaired glucose tolerance/diabetes (IGT/DM, 26.7%), and hypertension (17.1%). Only 6.2% had resolution of NAFLD after a mean follow-up of 3.7 years. Based on VCTE (n = 65), 41.5% had normal LSM, while 26.2% and 32.3% had increased likelihood of significant and advanced fibrosis, respectively. Age ≥16 years (odds ratio [OR] 8.9), IGT/DM (OR 6.5), and aspartate transaminase >70 U/L (OR 11.0) were independent risk factors associated with increased likelihood of advanced fibrosis. Conclusion Incidence of pediatric NAFLD has increased dramatically in Singapore. Based on LSM estimation, pediatric NAFLD may be associated with an increased risk of developing advanced fibrosis by late adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Kuan Chiou
- Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition Service, Paediatric MedicineKK Women's and Children's HospitalSingaporeSingapore
| | - Lynette Goh
- Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition Service, Paediatric MedicineKK Women's and Children's HospitalSingaporeSingapore
| | - Christopher Wen Wei Ho
- Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition Service, Paediatric MedicineKK Women's and Children's HospitalSingaporeSingapore
| | - Charanya Rajan
- Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition Service, Paediatric MedicineKK Women's and Children's HospitalSingaporeSingapore
| | - Veena Logarajah
- Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition Service, Paediatric MedicineKK Women's and Children's HospitalSingaporeSingapore
| | - Lay Queen Ng
- Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition Service, Paediatric MedicineKK Women's and Children's HospitalSingaporeSingapore
| | - Kong Boo Phua
- Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition Service, Paediatric MedicineKK Women's and Children's HospitalSingaporeSingapore
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10
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Maj MA, Burrin DG, Manjarín R. Decreased FXR Agonism in the Bile Acid Pool Is Associated with Impaired FXR Signaling in a Pig Model of Pediatric NAFLD. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3303. [PMID: 38137523 PMCID: PMC10740974 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate whether the impairment of farnesoid X receptor (FXR)-fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) signaling in juvenile pigs with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with changes in the composition of the enterohepatic bile acid pool. Eighteen 15-day-old Iberian pigs, pair-housed in pens, were allocated to receive either a control (CON) or high-fructose, high-fat (HFF) diet. Animals were euthanized in week 10, and liver, blood, and distal ileum (DI) samples were collected. HFF-fed pigs developed NAFLD and had decreased FGF19 expression in the DI and lower FGF19 levels in the blood. Compared with the CON, the HFF diet increased the total cholic acid (CA) and the CA to chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) ratio in the liver, DI, and blood. CA and CDCA levels in the DI were negatively and positively correlated with ileal FGF19 expression, respectively, and blood levels of FGF19 decreased with an increasing ileal CA to CDCA ratio. Compared with the CON, the HFF diet increased the gene expression of hepatic 12-alpha-hydrolase, which catalyzes the synthesis of CA in the liver. Since CA species are weaker FXR ligands than CDCA, our results suggest that impairment of FXR-FGF19 signaling in NAFLD pigs is associated with a decrease in FXR agonism in the bile acid pool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena A. Maj
- Department of Biological Sciences, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407, USA
- Center for Applications in Biotechnology, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407, USA
| | - Douglas G. Burrin
- USDA-ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Rodrigo Manjarín
- Department of Animal Science, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407, USA;
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11
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Paine‐Cabrera D, Harvey LK, Robarts DR, Pritchard MT, Thyfault J, Weinman SA, Apte U, Slowik V. Leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin 2 correlates with pediatric non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Clin Transl Sci 2023; 16:2719-2728. [PMID: 37877453 PMCID: PMC10719457 DOI: 10.1111/cts.13666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), newly renamed metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease (MASLD), is a leading cause of liver disease in children and adults. There is a paucity of data surrounding potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets, especially in pediatric NAFLD. Leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin 2 (LECT2) is a chemokine associated with both liver disease and skeletal muscle insulin resistance. Our aim was to determine associations between LECT2 and common clinical findings of NAFLD in pediatric patients. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure serum LECT2 concentrations in children (aged 2-17 years) with and without NAFLD. LECT2 concentrations were then correlated to clinical parameters in NAFLD. Mean LECT2 was significantly elevated in children with NAFLD versus healthy controls (n = 63 vs. 42, 5.83 ± 1.98 vs. 4.02 ± 2.02 ng/mL, p < 0.005). Additionally, LECT2 had strong correlations with body mass index (BMI) (Pearson r = 0.301, p = 0.002). A LECT2 concentration of 3.76 mg/mL predicts NAFLD with a sensitivity of 90.5% and specificity of 54.8%. Principal component analysis and logistic regression models further confirmed associations between LECT2 and NAFLD status. This study demonstrates increased serum LECT2 concentrations in pediatric NAFLD, which correlates with BMI and shows strong predictive value within these patients. Our data indicate that LECT2 is a potential diagnostic biomarker of disease and should be further investigated in pediatric as well as adult NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Paine‐Cabrera
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and TherapeuticsUniversity of Kansas Medical CenterKansas CityKansasUSA
| | - Lisa K. Harvey
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and NutritionChildren's Mercy – Kansas CityKansas CityMissouriUSA
| | - Dakota R. Robarts
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and TherapeuticsUniversity of Kansas Medical CenterKansas CityKansasUSA
| | - Michele T. Pritchard
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and TherapeuticsUniversity of Kansas Medical CenterKansas CityKansasUSA
- University of Kansas Liver CenterKansas CityKansasUSA
| | - John Thyfault
- Department of Molecular and Integrative PhysiologyUniversity of Kansas Medical CenterKansas CityKansasUSA
- Children's Center for Healthy Lifestyles and NutritionKansas CityMissouriUSA
| | - Steven A. Weinman
- University of Kansas Liver CenterKansas CityKansasUSA
- Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of Kansas Medical CenterKansas CityKansasUSA
| | - Udayan Apte
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and TherapeuticsUniversity of Kansas Medical CenterKansas CityKansasUSA
- University of Kansas Liver CenterKansas CityKansasUSA
- Children's Center for Healthy Lifestyles and NutritionKansas CityMissouriUSA
| | - Voytek Slowik
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and NutritionChildren's Mercy – Kansas CityKansas CityMissouriUSA
- Children's Center for Healthy Lifestyles and NutritionKansas CityMissouriUSA
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12
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Gkiourtzis N, Michou P, Moutafi M, Glava A, Cheirakis K, Christakopoulos A, Vouksinou E, Fotoulaki M. The benefit of metformin in the treatment of pediatric non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Eur J Pediatr 2023; 182:4795-4806. [PMID: 37639015 PMCID: PMC10640492 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-023-05169-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
This is the first meta-analysis of the available literature about the efficacy of metformin exclusively in pediatric patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We conducted a systematic literature search through major electronic databases till March 12, 2023, investigating the efficacy and safety of metformin in pediatric NAFLD. Weighted mean difference (WD) and standard deviation (SD) were used for continuous outcomes. In total, 4 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 309 pediatric patients with NAFLD were included in the meta-analysis. Metformin could not reach a statistically significant improvement in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels [(ALT: WMD = - 1.55 IU/L, 95% CI: - 5.38 to 2.28, I2 = 16%, p = 0.43), but had a statistically significant impact (p < 0.05) in insulin and HOMA-IR regulation, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein level improvement. Conclusion: According to the data of this meta-analysis, treatment with metformin failed to statistically improve liver enzymes but may be beneficial in the improvement of lipid parameters and insulin metabolism regulation in pediatric patients with NAFLD. As there are not enough available studies in the literature, the influence of metformin on liver ultrasonography or histology in pediatric NAFLD should be further analyzed in future studies. What is Known: • Lifestyle modification with weight loss through physical activity and dietary modification is the recommended treatment option for pediatric NAFLD. • Metformin may reduce steatosis on ultrasound and may have a beneficial role in liver histology collated with insulin resistance improvement. What is New: • Metformin may improve insulin sensitivity and lipid parameters in children with obesity and NAFLD. • Metformin does not have a significant effect on transaminase levels in children with obesity and NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Gkiourtzis
- 4th Department of Pediatrics, Papageorgiou General Hospital, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ring Road, Municipality of Pavlou Mela, Area N. Evkarpia, Thessaloniki, 56429, Greece.
| | - Panagiota Michou
- Department of Pediatrics, Gennimatas General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Maria Moutafi
- 4th Department of Pediatrics, Papageorgiou General Hospital, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ring Road, Municipality of Pavlou Mela, Area N. Evkarpia, Thessaloniki, 56429, Greece
| | - Agni Glava
- 4th Department of Pediatrics, Papageorgiou General Hospital, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ring Road, Municipality of Pavlou Mela, Area N. Evkarpia, Thessaloniki, 56429, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Cheirakis
- 4th Department of Pediatrics, Papageorgiou General Hospital, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ring Road, Municipality of Pavlou Mela, Area N. Evkarpia, Thessaloniki, 56429, Greece
| | - Aristeidis Christakopoulos
- 4th Department of Pediatrics, Papageorgiou General Hospital, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ring Road, Municipality of Pavlou Mela, Area N. Evkarpia, Thessaloniki, 56429, Greece
| | - Eleni Vouksinou
- 4th Department of Pediatrics, Papageorgiou General Hospital, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ring Road, Municipality of Pavlou Mela, Area N. Evkarpia, Thessaloniki, 56429, Greece
| | - Maria Fotoulaki
- 4th Department of Pediatrics, Papageorgiou General Hospital, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ring Road, Municipality of Pavlou Mela, Area N. Evkarpia, Thessaloniki, 56429, Greece
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13
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Lee YS, Song SH, Wu TC, Wu SL, Huang CF. Correlation of hepatic transient elastography measurements and abdominal adiposity in children: A cross-sectional study. Pediatr Neonatol 2023; 64:631-636. [PMID: 36967291 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedneo.2022.12.018] [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: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transient elastography is a non-invasive assessment of steatosis (measured as the controlled attenuation parameter, [CAP]) and fibrosis (measured as liver stiffness measurement, [LSM]) in patients with pediatric non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Abdominal adiposity is considered the most important factor for metabolic dysregulation including NAFLD. However, there is lack of a correlation between transient elastography measurements and abdominal adiposity. Accordingly, this study aimed to assess the correlation between transient elastography measurements and abdominal adiposity in children. METHODS This cross-sectional study included 137 children who visited the Taipei Veterans General Hospital. Hepatic steatosis (CAP) and fibrosis (LSM), were assessed by transient elastography. Abdominal adiposity including subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and preperitoneal adipose tissue (PPT) was assessed using abdominal sonography. The correlation between transient elastography measurements and abdominal adiposity was assessed using multiple linear regression. RESULTS In total, 137 children were included in this study. SAT and VAT were significantly associated with CAP, whereas SAT was significantly associated with LSM. An increment of 1 mm in SAT increased CAP and LSM by 5.56 dB/m and 0.06 kPa, respectively. CONCLUSION Certain abdominal adiposities, especially SAT, are significantly associated with CAP and LSM, as determined by transient elastography. Simple abdominal adiposity measured using sonography may be useful for the early detection of pediatric NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yii-Shiuan Lee
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Hsi Song
- Department of Pediatrics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University Hospital, Yilan, Taiwan
| | - Tzee-Chung Wu
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shang-Liang Wu
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Feng Huang
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.
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14
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Green S, Mouzaki M, Abu Ata N, Trout AT. Prevalence of incidental sonographic findings of hepatic steatosis in children under 4 years of age. Pediatr Radiol 2023; 53:2221-2228. [PMID: 37563321 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-023-05729-z] [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: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The age of onset of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its prevalence in young children is incompletely understood. OBJECTIVE We sought to evaluate the prevalence of ultrasound findings of hepatic steatosis in a cohort of children less than 4 years of age. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is an institutional review board-approved retrospective review of ultrasounds performed on children less than 4 years of age from January 2022 to August 2022 at a single quaternary care center. Two independent blinded reviewers evaluated for qualitative and semi-quantitative findings of hepatic steatosis. Per prior literature, hepatorenal index (HRI)>1.75 was used as a threshold suggestive of hepatic steatosis. Chi-square, Mann-Whitney U test, and logistic regression analyses were performed for univariable and multivariable statistical analyses. Kappa statistics were used to assess agreement between reviewers. RESULTS Eighty-five males and 102 females, median age of 1.1 years (interquartile range 2.1 years), were included. Qualitative findings of hepatic steatosis were seen in 26/187 (14%; 95% CI 10-20%). An HRI>1.75 was present in 15/187 (8%; 95% CI: 5-13%) of examinations, including 11 females and 4 males, and 7/123 (6%) participants <2 years old. Among participants with overweight or obesity, 8/43 (19%) had HRI>1.75 vs. 7/144 (5%) participants without overweight or obesity (P=0.004). Each percentile increase in anthropometrics percentile (weight-to-length or BMI, depending on age) was associated with 22 increased odds of HRI>1.75 (P=0.02). CONCLUSION Prevalence of sonographic findings of hepatic steatosis in an unselected sample of preschool-age children is 8-14%, and are more common in participants with overweight/obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Green
- Department of Radiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Marialena Mouzaki
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Nadeen Abu Ata
- Department of Radiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Andrew T Trout
- Department of Radiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Radiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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15
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Wong VWS, Ekstedt M, Wong GLH, Hagström H. Changing epidemiology, global trends and implications for outcomes of NAFLD. J Hepatol 2023; 79:842-852. [PMID: 37169151 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.04.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 76.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has rapidly become the most common liver disease globally and is currently estimated to affect 38% of the global population. Only a minority of patients with NAFLD will progress to cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma, but from this vast population the total number of patients who are at risk of such severe outcomes is increasing. Worryingly, individuals are increasingly being affected by NAFLD at an earlier age, meaning there is more time for them to develop severe complications. With considerable changes in dietary composition and urbanisation, alongside the growth in obesity and type 2 diabetes in the global population, in particular in developing countries, the global proportion of persons affected by NAFLD is projected to increase further. Yet, there are large geographical discrepancies in the prevalence rates of NAFLD and its inflammatory component non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Such differences are partly related to differing socio-economic milieus, but also to genetic predisposition. In this narrative review, we discuss recent changes in the epidemiology of NAFLD and NASH from regional and global perspectives, as well as in special populations. We also discuss the potential consequences of these changes on hepatic and extrahepatic events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Wai-Sun Wong
- Medical Data Analytics Center, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Mattias Ekstedt
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Health, Medicine, and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Grace Lai-Hung Wong
- Medical Data Analytics Center, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
| | - Hannes Hagström
- Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Hepatology, Department of Upper GI Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
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16
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Yadlapati S, Christian VJ, Shah A. Fatty Liver Disease and Food Insecurity: Excess in Scarcity. Curr Nutr Rep 2023; 12:439-444. [PMID: 37247090 PMCID: PMC10226011 DOI: 10.1007/s13668-023-00478-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is widely prevalent in the U.S and is the primary cause of chronic liver disease. Existing evidence shows that food insecurity may be an independent risk factor for fatty liver disease and is associated with poor health outcomes. Understanding the role of food insecurity in these patients can help develop mitigation strategies to address the growing prevalence of NAFLD. RECENT FINDINGS Food insecurity is associated with increased overall mortality and health care utilization among patients with NAFLD and advanced fibrosis. Individuals from low-income households with diabetes and obesity are particularly susceptible. Trends in prevalence of NAFLD mirror that of obesity and other cardiometabolic risk factors. Several studies in both adult and adolescent population have described an independent association between food insecurity and NAFLD. Concentrated efforts to lessen food insecurity may improve health outcomes in this group of patients. High-risk patients with NAFLD should be linked with local and federal supplemental food assistance programs. Programs directed at addressing NAFLD-related mortality and morbidity should focus on improving food quality, access to these foods, and promote healthy eating habits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujani Yadlapati
- Division of Gastroenterology, Cooper University Hospital, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (CMSRU), Camden, NJ, USA
| | - Vikram J Christian
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Apeksha Shah
- Division of Gastroenterology, Cooper University Hospital, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (CMSRU), Camden, NJ, USA.
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17
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Khan MZ, Klepper C, Orkin S, Arce-Clachar AC, Bramlage K, Fei L, Miethke A, Kohli R, Xanthakos S, Mouzaki M. Presence of Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Risk Variants is Not Associated With Histologic Severity of Pediatric NAFLD. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2023; 77:166-170. [PMID: 37229749 PMCID: PMC10524978 DOI: 10.1097/mpg.0000000000003845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Among adults with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), alpha-1-antitrypsin (A1AT) heterozygosity has been linked to advanced liver disease; pediatric data remain unclear. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to determine whether A1AT PiZ or PiS variants are associated with liver disease severity in youth with NAFLD. METHODS Retrospective study of youth with confirmed NAFLD. Multivariable logistic regression used to determine independent associations between A1AT risk variants and histologic severity [NAFLD activity score (NAS) ≥5 and/or significant fibrosis (stage ≥2)]. RESULTS The cohort included 269 patients, mean age 12 [±3] years with NAFLD and A1AT phenotyping (n = 260) and/or A1AT levels (n = 261). The mean NAS of the cohort was 4.2 [±1.5]; 50% had any, and 18% had significant fibrosis. Most (86%) had the MM A1AT phenotype, while 7% had the MS and 3% the MZ phenotype (the rest had other, nonpathogenic variants). Mean A1AT level was 123 mg/dL [±20]. A1AT levels did not differ by low versus high NAS (122 ± 2 vs 126 ± 19 mg/dL, P = 0.12) or by no/mild versus significant fibrosis (123 ± 20 vs 126 ± 20 mg/dL, P = 0.23, respectively). Carriers and noncarriers of the PiS or PiZ variants had similar NAS (mean NAS 3.8 ± 1.6 vs 4.2 ± 1.4; P = 0.25, respectively). Fibrosis severity did not differ by carrier vs noncarrier group: 38% versus 52% had any fibrosis ( P = 0.17) and 14% versus 18% had significant fibrosis ( P = 0.80, respectively). Multivariable modeling showed no association between A1AT risk variants and histologic severity. CONCLUSION While not uncommon, carriage of the A1AT PiZ or PiS risk variants was not associated with histologic severity in children with NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Zahid Khan
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Corie Klepper
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Sarah Orkin
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
| | - Ana Catalina Arce-Clachar
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
| | - Kristen Bramlage
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
| | - Lin Fei
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
| | - Alexander Miethke
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
| | - Rohit Kohli
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Stavra Xanthakos
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
| | - Marialena Mouzaki
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
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18
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Hassanipour S, Amini-Salehi E, Joukar F, Khosousi MJ, Pourtaghi F, Ansar MM, Mahdavi-Roshan M, Heidarzad F, Rashidi-Mojdehi G, Abdzadeh E, Vakilpour A, Mansour-Ghanaei F. The Prevalence of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Iranian Children and Adult Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 52:1600-1612. [PMID: 37744533 PMCID: PMC10512128 DOI: 10.18502/ijph.v52i8.13399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Background Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the world's most common etiology of chronic liver disease. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we estimated the prevalence of NAFLD in the Iranian children and adult population. Methods A comprehensive search of five international databases, including PubMed, ISI/WOS, ProQuest, Scopus, and Google Scholar, was done from inception to Nov 2022. Studies on NAFLD patients and their risk factors were selected for meta-analysis. The quality of the included studies was assessed by The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for cross-sectional, and cohort studies. The heterogeneity between studies was investigated using Cochran test and I2 statistics. Random and fixed effect models were used for heterogenic and non-heterogenic studies, respectively. We used Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 3 for conducting meta-analysis. Results Twenty studies were finally included. The total prevalence of NAFLD in children, boys, and girls was 6.7% (95% CI: 0.02-0.18), 12.5% (95% CI: 0.04-0.29) and, 10.1% (95% CI: 0.04-0.21), respectively. The total prevalence of NAFLD in obese children, obese boys, and obese girls was 42% (95% CI: 0.18-0.69), 44% (95% CI: 0.13-0.80), and 33 % (95% CI: 0.13-0.62), respectively. The total prevalence of NAFLD in adults was 36.9% (95% CI: 0.31-0.42). The prevalence of NAFLD in men and women was 33.8% (95% CI: 0.27-0.41) and 29.9% (95% CI: 0.21-0.40), respectively. Conclusion NAFLD prevalence in Iranian adults and obese children is considerable; however, data about the children population was insufficient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soheil Hassanipour
- Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Ehsan Amini-Salehi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Farahnaz Joukar
- Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
- Caspian Digestive Diseases Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Javad Khosousi
- Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Farideh Pourtaghi
- Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Malek Moein Ansar
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Marjan Mahdavi-Roshan
- Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, Department of Cardiology, Heshmat Hospital, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Forough Heidarzad
- Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Golnaz Rashidi-Mojdehi
- Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Elham Abdzadeh
- Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Azin Vakilpour
- School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Fariborz Mansour-Ghanaei
- Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
- Caspian Digestive Diseases Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
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19
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Sandel P, Ma L, Wang H, Pasman EA. You Are What You Eat: A Review on Dietary Interventions for Treating Pediatric Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Nutrients 2023; 15:3350. [PMID: 37571287 PMCID: PMC10421125 DOI: 10.3390/nu15153350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
As the obesity pandemic worsens, cases of pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and complications of this disease, such as progressive liver failure, in young adults will continue to rise. Lifestyle changes in the form of dietary modifications and exercise are currently first-line treatments. Large pediatric-specific randomized controlled trials to support specific interventions are currently lacking. A variety of dietary modifications in children with NAFLD have been suggested and studied with mixed results, including low-sugar and high-protein diets, the Mediterranean diet, and the Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH). The roles of dietary supplements such as Vitamin E, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), ginger, and probiotics have also been investigated. A further understanding of specific dietary interventions and supplements is needed to provide both generalizable and sustainable dietary recommendations to reverse the progression of NAFLD in the pediatric population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piper Sandel
- Section of Academic General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92123, USA; (L.M.); (H.W.)
| | - Lawrence Ma
- Section of Academic General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92123, USA; (L.M.); (H.W.)
| | - Helen Wang
- Section of Academic General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92123, USA; (L.M.); (H.W.)
| | - Eric A. Pasman
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Department of Pediatrics, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, CA 92134, USA;
- Department of Pediatrics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
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20
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Mischel AK, Liao Z, Cao F, Dunn W, Lo JC, Newton KP, Goyal NP, Yu EL, Schwimmer JB. Prevalence of Elevated ALT in Adolescents in the US 2011-2018. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2023; 77:103-109. [PMID: 37084344 PMCID: PMC10330162 DOI: 10.1097/mpg.0000000000003795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to characterize suspected nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) using elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in a diverse and nationally representative cohort of adolescents and to characterize higher ALT elevation in adolescents with obesity. METHODS Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2018 were analyzed for adolescents 12-19 years. Participants with causes for elevated ALT other than NAFLD were excluded. Race and ethnicity, sex, body mass index (BMI), and ALT were examined. Elevated ALT was defined as >22 U/L (females) and >26 U/L (males) using the biologic upper normal limit (ULN). Elevated ALT thresholds up to 2X-ULN were examined among adolescents with obesity. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the association of race/ethnicity and elevated ALT, adjusting for age, sex, and BMI. RESULTS Prevalence of elevated ALT in adolescents was 16.5% overall and 39.5% among those with obesity. For White, Hispanic, and Asian adolescents, prevalence was 15.8%, 21.8%, and 16.5% overall, 12.8%, 17.7%, and 27.0% in those with overweight, and 43.0%, 43.5%, and 43.1% in those with obesity, respectively. Prevalence was much lower in Black adolescents (10.7% overall, 8.4% for overweight, 20.7% for obesity). Prevalence of ALT at 2X-ULN was 6.6% in adolescents with obesity. Hispanic ethnicity, age, male sex, and higher BMI were independent predictors of elevated ALT. CONCLUSIONS Prevalence of elevated ALT in U.S. adolescents is high, affecting 1 in 6 adolescents during 2011-2018. The risk is highest in Hispanic adolescents. Asian adolescents with elevated BMI may comprise an emerging risk group for elevated ALT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K. Mischel
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Zhengxu Liao
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Fangyi Cao
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Winston Dunn
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Joan C. Lo
- Department of Medicine, Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center, 3600 Broadway, Oakland, Ca, 94611, USA
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, 2000- Broadway, Oakland, CA, 94612, USA
| | - Kimberly P. Newton
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Department of Gastroenterology, Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego, San Diego, CA, 92123, USA
| | - Nidhi P. Goyal
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Department of Gastroenterology, Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego, San Diego, CA, 92123, USA
| | - Elizabeth L. Yu
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Department of Gastroenterology, Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego, San Diego, CA, 92123, USA
| | - Jeffrey B. Schwimmer
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Department of Gastroenterology, Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego, San Diego, CA, 92123, USA
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21
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Geidl-Flueck B, Gerber PA. Fructose drives de novo lipogenesis affecting metabolic health. J Endocrinol 2023; 257:e220270. [PMID: 36753292 PMCID: PMC10083579 DOI: 10.1530/joe-22-0270] [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: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Despite the existence of numerous studies supporting a pathological link between fructose consumption and the development of the metabolic syndrome and its sequelae, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), this link remains a contentious issue. With this article, we shed a light on the impact of sugar/fructose intake on hepatic de novo lipogenesis (DNL), an outcome parameter known to be dysregulated in subjects with type 2 diabetes and/or NAFLD. In this review, we present findings from human intervention studies using physiological doses of sugar as well as mechanistic animal studies. There is evidence from both human and animal studies that fructose is a more potent inducer of hepatic lipogenesis than glucose. This is most likely due to the liver's prominent physiological role in fructose metabolism, which may be disrupted under pathological conditions by increased hepatic expression of fructolytic and lipogenic enzymes. Increased DNL may not only contribute to ectopic fat deposition (i.e. in the liver), but it may also impair several metabolic processes through DNL-related fatty acids (e.g. beta-cell function, insulin secretion, or insulin sensitivity).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Geidl-Flueck
- 1Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich (USZ) and University of Zurich (UZH), Switzerland
| | - Philipp A Gerber
- 1Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich (USZ) and University of Zurich (UZH), Switzerland
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22
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Slusher AL, Hu P, Samuels S, Tokoglu F, Lat J, Li Z, Alguard M, Strober J, Vatner D, Shabanova V, Caprio S. Rising NAFLD and metabolic severity during the Sars-CoV-2 pandemic among children with obesity in the United States. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2023; 31:1383-1391. [PMID: 36694381 PMCID: PMC10186584 DOI: 10.1002/oby.23728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common liver disease among youth with obesity, precedes more severe metabolic and liver diseases. However, the impact of the Sars-CoV-2 global pandemic on the prevalence and severity of NAFLD and the associated metabolic phenotype among youth with obesity is unknown. METHODS Participants were recruited from the Yale Pediatric Obesity Clinic during the Sars-CoV-2 global pandemic (August 2020 to May 2022) and were compared with a frequency-matched control group of youth with obesity studied before the Sars-CoV-2 global pandemic (January 2017 to November 2019). Glucose metabolism differences were assessed during an extended 180-minute oral glucose tolerance test. Magnetic resonance imaging-derived proton density fat fraction (PDFF) was used to determine intrahepatic fat content in those with NAFLD (PDFF ≥ 5.5). RESULTS NAFLD prevalence increased in participants prior to (36.2%) versus during the Sars-CoV-2 pandemic (60.9%), with higher PDFF values observed in participants with NAFLD (PDFF ≥ 5.5%) during versus before the pandemic. An increase in visceral adipose tissue and a hyperresponsiveness in insulin secretion during the oral glucose tolerance test were also observed. CONCLUSIONS Hepatic health differences were likely exacerbated by environmental and behavioral changes associated with the pandemic, which are critically important for clinicians to consider when engaging in patient care to help minimize the future risk for metabolic perturbations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron L. Slusher
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of
Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Pamela Hu
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of
Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Stephanie Samuels
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of
Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Fuyuze Tokoglu
- Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University School of
Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Jessica Lat
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of
Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Zhongyao Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of
Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Michele Alguard
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of
Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Jordan Strober
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of
Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Daniel Vatner
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of
Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Veronika Shabanova
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of
Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Sonia Caprio
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of
Medicine, New Haven, CT
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23
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Newton KP, Wilson LA, Crimmins NA, Fishbein MH, Molleston JP, Xanthakos SA, Behling C, Schwimmer JB. Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes in Children With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 21:1261-1270. [PMID: 35709934 PMCID: PMC10151072 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2022.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a growing problem in children. Children with NAFLD are at potentially high risk for developing T2D; however, the incidence of T2D in this population is unknown. This study aimed to determine the incidence of T2D in children with NAFLD and identify associated risk factors. METHODS Children with NAFLD enrolled in the Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Clinical Research Network were followed longitudinally. Incidence of T2D was determined by using clinical history and fasting laboratory values. Cumulative incidence curves were developed for time to T2D. A Cox regression multivariable model was constructed using best subsets Akaike's Information Criteria selection. RESULTS This study included 892 children with NAFLD and with a mean age of 12.8 years (2.7) followed for 3.8 years (2.3) with a total 3234 person-years at risk. The incidence rate of T2D was 3000 new cases per 100,000 person-years at risk. At baseline, 63 children had T2D, and during follow-up, an additional 97 children developed incident T2D, resulting in a period prevalence of 16.8%. Incident T2D was significantly higher in females versus males (hazard ratio [HR], 1.8 [1.0-2.8]), associated with BMI z-score (HR, 1.8 [1.0-3.0]), and more severe liver histology including steatosis grade (HR, 1.3 [1.0-1.7]), and fibrosis stage (HR, 1.3 [1.0-1.5]). CONCLUSIONS Children with NAFLD are at high risk for existing and incident T2D. In addition to known risk factors for T2D (female and BMI z-score), severity of liver histology at the time of NAFLD diagnosis was independently associated with T2D development. Targeted strategies to prevent T2D in children with NAFLD are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly P Newton
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California; Department of Gastroenterology, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California
| | - Laura A Wilson
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland; Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Nancy A Crimmins
- Division of Endocrinology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Mark H Fishbein
- Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Jean P Molleston
- Department of Pediatrics, Riley Children's Hospital, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Stavra A Xanthakos
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio; Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Cynthia Behling
- Department of Pathology, Sharp Medical Center, San Diego, California
| | - Jeffrey B Schwimmer
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California; Department of Gastroenterology, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California.
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24
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Dybbro E, Vos MB, Kohli R. Special Population: Pediatric Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Clin Liver Dis 2023; 27:471-482. [PMID: 37024219 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2023.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease represents the most common liver disease in children and has been shown to carry significant morbidity. Widespread heterogeneity of disease, as well as the limitation of indirect screening modalities, has made true prevalence of disease difficult to estimate as well as hindered ability to identify optimal prognostic factors in the pediatric population. Current therapeutic options are limited in pediatric patients with current mainstay of therapy, lifestyle modifications, has proven to have a limited efficacy in current clinical application. Current research remains needed in improved screening modalities, prognosticating techniques, and therapeutic options in the pediatric population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Dybbro
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Miriam B Vos
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Emory School of Medicine, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rohit Kohli
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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25
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Hildreth A, Shapiro WL, Lowenthal BM, Goyal A, Schwimmer JB. Distinguishing Autoimmune Hepatitis From Steatohepatitis in Adolescents With Obesity and Positive Screening Alanine Aminotransferase. JPGN REPORTS 2023; 4:e292. [PMID: 37200725 PMCID: PMC10187841 DOI: 10.1097/pg9.0000000000000292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Screening children with obesity for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease leads to identification of elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and is a common cause for referral to pediatric gastroenterology. Guidelines recommend that children with positive screening ALT be evaluated for causes of ALT elevation beyond nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. One clinical challenge is that autoantibodies can be present in patients with obesity and thus may or may not represent autoimmune hepatitis. This case series highlights the importance of a comprehensive evaluation to reach an accurate diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber Hildreth
- From the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California
- Department of Gastroenterology, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California
| | - Warren L Shapiro
- From the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California
- Department of Gastroenterology, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Brett M Lowenthal
- Department of Pathology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Anurag Goyal
- Department of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Jeffrey B Schwimmer
- From the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California
- Department of Gastroenterology, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California
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26
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Cohen CC, Perng W, Sauder KA, Shapiro ALB, Starling AP, Friedman C, Felix JF, Küpers LK, Moore BF, Hébert JR, Shivappa N, Scherzinger A, Sundaram SS, Shankar K, Dabelea D. Maternal Diet Quality During Pregnancy and Offspring Hepatic Fat in Early Childhood: The Healthy Start Study. J Nutr 2023; 153:1122-1132. [PMID: 36796482 PMCID: PMC10196613 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2023.01.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Overnutrition in utero may increase offspring risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but the specific contribution of maternal diet quality during pregnancy to this association remains understudied in humans. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to examine the associations of maternal diet quality during pregnancy with offspring hepatic fat in early childhood (median: 5 y old, range: 4-8 y old). METHODS Data were from 278 mother-child pairs in the longitudinal, Colorado-based Healthy Start Study. Multiple 24-h recalls were collected from mothers during pregnancy on a monthly basis (median: 3 recalls, range: 1-8 recalls starting after enrollment), and used to estimate maternal usual nutrient intakes and dietary pattern scores [Healthy Eating Index-2010 (HEI-2010), Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII), and Relative Mediterranean Diet Score (rMED)]. Offspring hepatic fat was measured in early childhood by MRI. Associations of maternal dietary predictors during pregnancy with offspring log-transformed hepatic fat were assessed using linear regression models adjusted for offspring demographics, maternal/perinatal confounders, and maternal total energy intake. RESULTS Higher maternal fiber intake and rMED scores during pregnancy were associated with lower offspring hepatic fat in early childhood in fully adjusted models [Back-transformed β (95% CI): 0.82 (0.72, 0.94) per 5 g/1000 kcal fiber; 0.93 (0.88, 0.99) per 1 SD for rMED]. In contrast, higher maternal total sugar and added sugar intakes, and DII scores were associated with higher offspring hepatic fat [Back-transformed β (95% CI): 1.18 (1.05, 1.32) per 5% kcal/d added sugar; 1.08 (0.99, 1.18) per 1 SD for DII]. Analyses of dietary pattern subcomponents also revealed that lower maternal intakes of green vegetables and legumes and higher intake of "empty calories" were associated with higher offspring hepatic fat in early childhood. CONCLUSIONS Poorer maternal diet quality during pregnancy was associated with greater offspring susceptibility to hepatic fat in early childhood. Our findings provide insights into potential perinatal targets for the primordial prevention of pediatric NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine C Cohen
- Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes Center, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - Wei Perng
- Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes Center, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Katherine A Sauder
- Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes Center, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Allison L B Shapiro
- Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes Center, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Anne P Starling
- Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes Center, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Chloe Friedman
- Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes Center, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Janine F Felix
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Paediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Leanne K Küpers
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Paediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Brianna F Moore
- Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes Center, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - James R Hébert
- Cancer Prevention and Control Program and Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Nitin Shivappa
- Cancer Prevention and Control Program and Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA; Department of Nutrition, Connecting Health Innovations LLC, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Ann Scherzinger
- Department of Radiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Shikha S Sundaram
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kartik Shankar
- Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes Center, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Dana Dabelea
- Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes Center, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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27
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Klepper C, Crimmins NA, Orkin S, Sun Q, Fei L, Xanthakos S, Mouzaki M. Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Young Children with Obesity. Child Obes 2023; 19:179-185. [PMID: 35639419 PMCID: PMC10122212 DOI: 10.1089/chi.2022.0048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Background: To evaluate the prevalence of suspected nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in young children with obesity and determine associated risk factors. Methods: Retrospective single-center study of children with obesity, ages 2-6 years. Suspected NAFLD was defined as an alanine aminotransferase (ALT) >30 U/L. Multivariable analyses were performed to determine predictors of elevated ALT. Results: Among 237 children 2-6 years old, 35% had elevated ALT. Multivariable analysis showed that higher BMI z score [odds ratio (OR): 1.5 confidence interval (95% CI: 1.04-1.92)] and higher gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) [OR: 21.3 (95% CI: 3.7-121.1)] predicted elevated ALT. Of those with ≥2 ALT levels, 38% (n = 33/86) had a persistently elevated ALT (median ALT >30 U/L). Only 7% of patients with ALT >30 U/L underwent further testing to evaluate for alternative causes of liver disease. Conclusion: Suspected NAFLD is common in young children with obesity and predicted by obesity severity and GGT. Other cardiometabolic markers were equivalent between those with normal vs. elevated ALT, suggesting NAFLD onset may precede development of comorbidities. Earlier screening will enable prompt diagnosis and intervention, which may prevent or delay the onset of cardiometabolic diseases commonly associated with NAFLD in adolescence and adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corie Klepper
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Nancy A. Crimmins
- Division of Endocrinology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Sarah Orkin
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Qin Sun
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Lin Fei
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Stavra Xanthakos
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Marialena Mouzaki
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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28
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Khan S, Kalkwarf HJ, Hornung L, Siegel R, Arce-Clachar AC, Sheridan R, Ippisch HM, Xanthakos SA. Histologic Severity of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Associates with Reduced Bone Mineral Density in Children. Dig Dis Sci 2023; 68:644-655. [PMID: 35672623 PMCID: PMC10042591 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-022-07563-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lower whole body bone mineral density (BMD) has been reported in children with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but potential mediators remain uncertain. AIMS To assess BMD at multiple skeletal sites in children with confirmed NAFLD and controls with obesity, adjusting for known determinants of BMD, and examine potential mediators. METHODS We assessed age-, sex-, and race-specific, and height-adjusted BMD z-scores of whole body, lumbar spine, hip, femoral neck and forearm by dual-energy-x-ray absorptiometry in 79 children, 8-19 years old: 46 with biopsy-confirmed NAFLD [29 steatohepatitis (NASH)/17 fatty liver (NAFL)] and 33 controls without liver disease. We compared BMD z-scores by multivariable regression, adjusting for known BMD determinants and potential mediators (inflammatory and insulin resistance measures). RESULTS Unadjusted mean BMD z-scores in NAFLD were similar to controls, but significantly lower in NASH vs. NAFL at all sites. After covariate adjustment, mean forearm BMD z-score was higher in NAFL (β 0.60 ± SE 0.30, p < 0.05) and lower in NASH (β - 0.49 ± SE 0.26, p = 0.06) vs. controls (p = 0.002 for group), with similar trends at whole body and total hip; hs-CRP negatively associated with whole body and forearm BMD z-scores (p < 0.05), while visceral fat area negatively associated with femoral neck (p < 0.05). Only three children had clinically low whole body BMD z-scores (< - 2), one per group (control, NAFL and NASH). CONCLUSIONS NASH, but not NAFL, may be associated with increased risk of reduced BMD in children. Systemic inflammation, independent of body composition and load bearing, may mediate reduction in BMD in NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soofia Khan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Phoenix Children's, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Heidi J Kalkwarf
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Cincinnati, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Lindsey Hornung
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, USA
| | - Robert Siegel
- The Heart Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Ana Catalina Arce-Clachar
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Cincinnati, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Rachel Sheridan
- Department of Pathology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Holly M Ippisch
- The Heart Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Stavra A Xanthakos
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Cincinnati, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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Nash MJ, Dobrinskikh E, Janssen RC, Lovell MA, Schady DA, Levek C, Jones KL, D’Alessandro A, Kievit P, Aagaard KM, McCurdy CE, Gannon M, Friedman JE, Wesolowski SR. Maternal Western diet is associated with distinct preclinical pediatric NAFLD phenotypes in juvenile nonhuman primate offspring. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0014. [PMID: 36691970 PMCID: PMC9851700 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000014] [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: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediatric NAFLD has distinct and variable pathology, yet causation remains unclear. We have shown that maternal Western-style diet (mWSD) compared with maternal chow diet (CD) consumption in nonhuman primates produces hepatic injury and steatosis in fetal offspring. Here, we define the role of mWSD and postweaning Western-style diet (pwWSD) exposures on molecular mechanisms linked to NAFLD development in a cohort of 3-year-old juvenile nonhuman primates offspring exposed to maternal CD or mWSD followed by CD or Western-style diet after weaning. We used histologic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic analyses to identify hepatic pathways regulating NAFLD. Offspring exposed to mWSD showed increased hepatic periportal collagen deposition but unchanged hepatic triglyceride levels and body weight. mWSD was associated with a downregulation of gene expression pathways underlying HNF4α activity and protein, and downregulation of antioxidant signaling, mitochondrial biogenesis, and PPAR signaling pathways. In offspring exposed to both mWSD and pwWSD, liver RNA profiles showed upregulation of pathways promoting fibrosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress and increased BiP protein expression with pwWSD. pwWSD increased acylcarnitines and decreased anti-inflammatory fatty acids, which was more pronounced when coupled with mWSD exposure. Further, mWSD shifted liver metabolites towards decreased purine catabolism in favor of synthesis, suggesting a mitochondrial DNA repair response. Our findings demonstrate that 3-year-old offspring exposed to mWSD but weaned to a CD have periportal collagen deposition, with transcriptional and metabolic pathways underlying hepatic oxidative stress, compromised mitochondrial lipid sensing, and decreased antioxidant response. Exposure to pwWSD worsens these phenotypes, triggers endoplasmic reticulum stress, and increases fibrosis. Overall, mWSD exposure is associated with altered expression of candidate genes and metabolites related to NAFLD that persist in juvenile offspring preceding clinical presentation of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Nash
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Evgenia Dobrinskikh
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Rachel C. Janssen
- Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Mark A. Lovell
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Deborah A. Schady
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Claire Levek
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Kenneth L. Jones
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Angelo D’Alessandro
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Paul Kievit
- Division of Cardiometabolic Health, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Kjersti M. Aagaard
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Carrie E. McCurdy
- Department of Human Physiology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
| | - Maureen Gannon
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jacob E. Friedman
- Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Stephanie R. Wesolowski
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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30
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Goyal NP, Rosenthal SB, Nasamran C, Behling CA, Angeles JE, Fishbein MH, Harlow KE, Jain AK, Molleston JP, Newton KP, Ugalde-Nicalo P, Xanthankos SA, Yates K, Schork NJ, Fisch KM, Schwimmer JB. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease risk and histologic severity are associated with genetic polymorphisms in children. Hepatology 2023; 77:197-212. [PMID: 35560106 PMCID: PMC9653518 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS NAFLD is the most common chronic liver disease in children. Large pediatric studies identifying single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with risk and histologic severity of NAFLD are limited. Study aims included investigating SNPs associated with risk for NAFLD using family trios and association of candidate alleles with histologic severity. APPROACH AND RESULTS Children with biopsy-confirmed NAFLD were enrolled from the NASH Clinical Research Network. The Expert Pathology Committee reviewed liver histology. Genotyping was conducted with allele-specific primers for 60 candidate SNPs. Parents were enrolled for trio analysis. To assess risk for NAFLD, the transmission disequilibrium test was conducted in trios. Among cases, regression analysis assessed associations with histologic severity. A total of 822 children with NAFLD had mean age 13.2 years (SD 2.7) and mean ALT 101 U/L (SD 90). PNPLA3 (rs738409) demonstrated the strongest risk ( p = 2.24 × 10 -14 ) for NAFLD. Among children with NAFLD, stratifying by PNPLA3 s738409 genotype, the variant genotype associated with steatosis ( p = 0.005), lobular ( p = 0.03) and portal inflammation ( p = 0.002). Steatosis grade associated with TM6SF2 ( p = 0.0009), GCKR ( p = 0.0032), PNPLA3 rs738409 ( p = 0.0053), and MTTP ( p = 0.0051). Fibrosis stage associated with PARVB rs6006473 ( p = 0.0001), NR1I2 ( p = 0.0021), ADIPOR2 ( p = 0.0038), and OXTR ( p = 0.0065). PNPLA3 rs738409 ( p = 0.0002) associated with borderline zone 1 NASH. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated disease-associated SNPs in children with NAFLD. In particular, rs6006473 was highly associated with severity of fibrosis. These hypothesis-generating results support future mechanistic studies of development of adverse outcomes such as fibrosis and generation of therapeutic targets for NAFLD in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidhi P. Goyal
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Gastroenterology, Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Sara B. Rosenthal
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Chanod Nasamran
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Cynthia A. Behling
- Department of Pathology, Sharp Memorial Hospital; Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Jorge E. Angeles
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Mark H. Fishbein
- Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg Medical School of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Kathryn E. Harlow
- Riley Hospital for Children At Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Ajay K. Jain
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Jean P. Molleston
- Section of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Riley Hospital for Children, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Kimberly P. Newton
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Gastroenterology, Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Patricia Ugalde-Nicalo
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Stavra A. Xanthankos
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Katherine Yates
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Nicholas J. Schork
- The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), Phoenix, Arizona, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, The City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Kathleen M. Fisch
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Jeffrey B. Schwimmer
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Gastroenterology, Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
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31
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Morkem R, Theal R, Barber D, Flemming J, Queenan J, Kehar M. Screening Patterns of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Children with Obesity in Canadian Primary Care: A Cross-Sectional Study. Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 2022:8435581. [PMID: 36594051 PMCID: PMC9805392 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8435581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common pediatric chronic liver disease, and children with a body mass index (BMI) ≥95th percentile are recommended to be screened for NAFLD by liver enzymes. Objectives This study aimed to determine the frequency and predictors of screening for NAFLD among children with obesity in Canada and to evaluate a sample of children with suspected NAFLD. Methods This cross-sectional study used data from the Canadian Primary Care Sentinel Surveillance Network, a repository of electronic medical record data from Canadian primary care practices. Results Of n = 110,827 children aged 9-18 years, 13.9% (n = 9,888) had a BMI ≥95th percentile. Only 8.7% (n = 859) of these patients were screened for NAFLD in the last year, and 23.6% (n = 2336) were ever screened. Using logistic regression, screening in the last year was associated with demographic and clinical characteristics, including previous liver enzyme assessment, prior antidiabetic prescription, and prior anxiolytic prescription. Among children with suspected NAFLD (n = 1,046), 34.7% had a BMI ≥99th percentile and approximately 8% were at increased risk of significant liver disease. Conclusion The study revealed low screening rates for NAFLD in Canadian primary care and highlighted the important role of primary care providers in identifying and managing pediatric NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael Morkem
- Department of Family Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rebecca Theal
- Department of Family Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Barber
- Department of Family Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer Flemming
- Departments of Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - John Queenan
- Department of Family Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mohit Kehar
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Comparison of Body Composition, Muscle Strength and Cardiometabolic Profile in Children with Prader-Willi Syndrome and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Pilot Study. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315115. [PMID: 36499438 PMCID: PMC9739027 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Syndromic and non-syndromic obesity conditions in children, such as Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), both lower quality of life and increase risk for chronic health complications, which further increase health service utilization and cost. In a pilot observational study, we compared body composition and muscle strength in children aged 7−18 years with either PWS (n = 9), NAFLD (n = 14), or healthy controls (n = 16). Anthropometric and body composition measures (e.g., body weight, circumferences, skinfolds, total/segmental composition, and somatotype), handgrip strength, six minute-walk-test (6MWT), physical activity, and markers of liver and cardiometabolic dysfunction (e.g., ALT, AST, blood pressure, glucose, insulin, and lipid profile) were measured using standard procedures and validated tools. Genotyping was determined for children with PWS. Children with PWS had reduced lean body mass (total/lower limb mass), lower handgrip strength, 6MWT and increased sedentary activity compared to healthy children or those with NAFLD (p < 0.05). Children with PWS, including those of normal body weight, had somatotypes consistent with relative increased adiposity (endomorphic) and reduced skeletal muscle robustness (mesomorphic) when compared to healthy children and those with NAFLD. Somatotype characterizations were independent of serum markers of cardiometabolic dysregulation but were associated with increased prevalence of abnormal systolic and diastolic blood pressure Z-scores (p < 0.05). Reduced lean body mass and endomorphic somatotypes were associated with lower muscle strength/functionality and sedentary lifestyles, particularly in children with PWS. These findings are relevant as early detection of deficits in muscle strength and functionality can ensure effective targeted treatments that optimize physical activity and prevent complications into adulthood.
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33
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Draijer L, Voorhoeve M, Benninga M, Koot B. Evaluation of the feasibility of screening for paediatric non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Acta Paediatr 2022; 111:2408-2415. [PMID: 35899429 PMCID: PMC9804620 DOI: 10.1111/apa.16502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the feasibility of screening for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in clinical practice and the acceptance of a screening strategy, and to identify factors that determine compliance. METHODS A screening protocol, based on alanine aminotransferase measurement and introduced to healthcare workers of Dutch outpatient obesity clinics in 2017, was evaluated. Medical files of children who visited the largest outpatient obesity clinic between 2017 and 2020 were evaluated. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with 14 healthcare workers who had been using the screening protocol. RESULTS Screening for NAFLD was performed in 477/571 (84%) of the children. Loss of follow-up was the major reason for inadequate screening. Follow-up was performed in 81/134 children with an abnormal screening result (61%). The FGDs indicated 13 barriers for screening, regarding guideline- and knowledge-related issues. CONCLUSION Screening for NAFLD was performed in the vast majority of the children. However, adherence to the guideline after an abnormal initial screening result needs to be improved. This can be achieved by improving the loss of follow-up of patients' and physicians' awareness of the relevance of mildly elevated ALT levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Draijer
- Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology and NutritionAmsterdam University Medical Centers, Location Academic Medical Center/Emma Children's Hospital, University of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands,Amsterdam Reproduction & Development Research InstituteAmsterdam University Medical Centers, Location Academic Medical Center/Emma Children's HospitalAmsterdamThe Netherlands,Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism Research InstituteAmsterdam UMC, University of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Maaike Voorhoeve
- Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology and NutritionAmsterdam University Medical Centers, Location Academic Medical Center/Emma Children's Hospital, University of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | | | - Marc Benninga
- Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology and NutritionAmsterdam University Medical Centers, Location Academic Medical Center/Emma Children's Hospital, University of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Bart Koot
- Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology and NutritionAmsterdam University Medical Centers, Location Academic Medical Center/Emma Children's Hospital, University of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
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Manoppo JIC, Pateda V, Prayogo C, Langi FLFG, Nurkolis F, Tsopmo A. Relationships of 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in obese children: A possible strategy to promote early screening of NAFLD. Front Nutr 2022; 9:1025396. [PMID: 36407527 PMCID: PMC9667029 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1025396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jeanette Irene Christiene Manoppo
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Sam Ratulangi University, Manado, Indonesia
- Department of Pediatrics, Prof. R. D. Kandou General Hospital, Manado, Indonesia
| | - Vivekenanda Pateda
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Sam Ratulangi University, Manado, Indonesia
- Department of Pediatrics, Prof. R. D. Kandou General Hospital, Manado, Indonesia
| | - Cindy Prayogo
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Sam Ratulangi University, Manado, Indonesia
- Department of Pediatrics, Prof. R. D. Kandou General Hospital, Manado, Indonesia
| | | | - Fahrul Nurkolis
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, State Islamic University of Sunan Kalijaga (UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta), Yogyakarta, Indonesia
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35
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Moylan CA, Mavis AM, Jima D, Maguire R, Bashir M, Hyun J, Cabezas MN, Parish A, Niedzwiecki D, Diehl AM, Murphy SK, Abdelmalek MF, Hoyo C. Alterations in DNA methylation associate with fatty liver and metabolic abnormalities in a multi-ethnic cohort of pre-teenage children. Epigenetics 2022; 17:1446-1461. [PMID: 35188871 PMCID: PMC9586600 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2022.2039850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-Alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading cause of chronic liver disease in children. Epigenetic alterations, such as through DNA methylation (DNAm), may link adverse childhood exposures and fatty liver and provide non-invasive methods for identifying children at high risk for NAFLD and associated metabolic dysfunction. We investigated the association between differential DNAm and liver fat content (LFC) and liver injury in pre-adolescent children. Leveraging data from the Newborn Epigenetics Study (NEST), we enrolled 90 mother-child dyads and used linear regression to identify CpG sites and differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in peripheral blood associated with LFC and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in 7-12yo children. DNAm was measured using Infinium HumanMethylationEPIC BeadChips (Illumina). LFC and fibrosis were quantified by magnetic resonance imaging proton density fat fraction and elastography. Median LFC was 1.4% (range, 0.3-13.4%) and MRE was 2.5 kPa (range, 1.5-3.6kPa). Three children had LFC ≥ 5%, while six (7.6%) met our definition of NAFLD (LFC ≥ 3.7%). All children with NAFLD were obese and five were Black. LFC was associated with 88 DMRs and 106 CpGs (FDR<5%). The top two CpGs, cg25474373 and cg07264203, mapped to or near RFTN2 and PRICKLE2 genes. These two CpG sites were also significantly associated with a NAFLD diagnosis. As higher LFC associates with an adverse cardiometabolic profile already in childhood, altered DNAm may identify these children early in disease course for targeted intervention. Larger, longitudinal studies are needed to validate these findings and determine mechanistic relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia A. Moylan
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States,Contact Cynthia A. Moylan 905 South LaSalle Street, Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham27710NC, United States
| | - Alisha M. Mavis
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Dereje Jima
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Rachel Maguire
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Mustafa Bashir
- Department of Radiology, Center of Advanced Magnetic Resonance Development, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Jeongeun Hyun
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Melanie N. Cabezas
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Alice Parish
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Donna Niedzwiecki
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Anna Mae Diehl
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | | | - Manal F. Abdelmalek
- Department of Radiology, Center of Advanced Magnetic Resonance Development, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Cathrine Hoyo
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
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36
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Mandato C, Vajro P. Is the perfect screening of paediatric non-alcoholic fatty liver disease still an unmet target? Acta Paediatr 2022; 111:2256-2258. [PMID: 36169170 DOI: 10.1111/apa.16547] [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: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Mandato
- Section of Pediatrics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Pietro Vajro
- Section of Pediatrics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
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Sadeghian M, Vafadar M, Torabi A, Torabi S, Fazel M. Prevalence of fatty liver and its related factors in children. J Family Med Prim Care 2022; 11:5604-5608. [PMID: 36505576 PMCID: PMC9730962 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_626_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fatty liver disease is a severe liver condition that affects youngsters. Liver disease in children increases the incidence of liver fibrosis in their adulthood. Due to the importance of this disease and related factors in children, such as diabetes and obesity, our study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of fatty liver in children. Materials and Methods This is a descriptive cross-sectional study done in Ali Asghar Hospital from June 2020 to December 2020. Demographic characteristics and prevalence of fatty liver were assessed. Blood samples were obtained after ten hours of fasting to assess AST, ALT, ALP, and blood glucose levels. Ultrasound was also used to check the health of the liver. Walking to school and exercising were also assessed. Data were analyzed using statistical software. Results This research included 2526 children, and 37 of them had fatty liver. Fatty liver was more common in children with a BMI greater than 30, as well as metabolic and hypoparathyroid illness (P = 0.02). A significant association was observed between exercise and walking with fatty liver disease (P < 0.05). The majority of the individuals had grade 1 fatty liver (75.5%). Grade 1 fatty liver was seen in 90% of those who did not participate in athletics and 95% of those who did not walk to school. In addition, 94% of patients who exercised for less than ten minutes had grade 1fatty liver. Conclusion Initially, exercise and weight loss had an essential effect on fatty liver disease. In fact, lifestyle changes and prevention of obesity may reduce liver damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahnaz Sadeghian
- Associated Professor of Pediatric Gastroenterologist, Department of Pediatric, Ali Asghar Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Vafadar
- Assistant Professor of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatric, Ali Asghar Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ala Torabi
- Assistant Professor of Radiology, Department of Radiology, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran,Address for correspondence: Dr. Ala Torabi, Assistant Professor of Radiology, Department of Radiology, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran. E-mail:
| | - Sara Torabi
- Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrshad Fazel
- Ali Asghar Clinical Research Development Center, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Patel-Sanchez N, Discepolo V, Asfour N, Azzam RK. Preparedness of Residents to Manage Pediatric Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A National Survey. JPGN REPORTS 2022; 3:e219. [PMID: 36713936 PMCID: PMC9881435 DOI: 10.1097/pg9.0000000000000219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Objective Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is reported to be the most common chronic pediatric liver disease. Little information is available on the adherence of residents in-training to the published guidelines for the evaluation and management of pediatric NAFLD.The goals of this study are: (i) to assess the consistency of screening and evaluation for NAFLD in obese and overweight children at continuity clinics by upper level residents, and (ii) to determine the residents' extent of training, knowledge, comfort and competence levels in NAFLD care. Methods An electronic survey developed using REDCap was emailed to accredited Pediatric Residency Programs in the United States. Program directors and coordinators were requested to forward the survey to their upper level pediatric and medicine/pediatrics residents. Statistical analysis of responses (n= 399) was performed. Results More than 88% of residents reported to be exposed to obese and overweight children, representing at least 25% of the patients encountered in clinics. Regardless of their training level, they inconsistently screened for (>60%), initiated evaluation of, or provided counseling on NAFLD in these patients, not following the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition guidelines. Over 80% of residents perceived to have received inadequate training resulting in insufficient knowledge on NAFLD, which they identified as their biggest barrier (25.7%). There was minimal statistically significant difference in the survey findings between training levels (PGY-2 vs PGY-3/4). Conclusions Educational interventions should be implemented by pediatric residency programs to enhance educational core curricula for the early detection and initiation of management of NAFLD, an emerging public health problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namrata Patel-Sanchez
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco (CA), USA
| | - Valentina Discepolo
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Section of Pediatrics, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Nour Asfour
- University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago (IL), USA
| | - Ruba K. Azzam
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition. University of Chicago, Chicago (IL), USA
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Cohen CC, Francis EC, Perng W, Sauder KA, Scherzinger A, Sundaram SS, Shankar K, Dabelea D. Exposure to maternal fuels during pregnancy and offspring hepatic fat in early childhood: The healthy start study. Pediatr Obes 2022; 17:e12902. [PMID: 35122420 PMCID: PMC9177565 DOI: 10.1111/ijpo.12902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intrauterine overnutrition has been associated with paediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but the exact mechanisms involved remain unclear. OBJECTIVE To examine whether maternal fuels and metabolic markers during pregnancy are associated with offspring hepatic fat in childhood. METHODS This analysis included 286 mother-child pairs from the Healthy Start Study, a longitudinal pre-birth cohort in Colorado. Fasting blood draws were collected in early pregnancy (~17 weeks) and mid-pregnancy (~27 weeks). Offspring hepatic fat was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at ~5 years. RESULTS In early pregnancy, maternal triglycerides (TGs) and free fatty acids (FFAs) were positively associated with offspring hepatic fat [Back-transformed β (95% CI): 1.15 (1.05, 1.27) per 1 standard deviation (SD) TGs; 1.14 (1.05, 1.23) per 1 SD FFAs]. Maternal total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were also associated with offspring hepatic fat, but only among boys [1.22 (1.08, 1.37) per 1 SD TC; 1.21 (1.07, 1.37) per 1 SD LDL-C]. In mid-pregnancy, only maternal TGs remained associated with offspring hepatic fat. Adjusting for potential confounders or mediators did not affect associations. CONCLUSIONS Maternal lipid concentrations, especially in early pregnancy, are associated with higher offspring hepatic fat, and may, therefore, be targeted in future interventions among pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine C. Cohen
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA,Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Ellen C. Francis
- Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Wei Perng
- Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA,Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA,Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Katherine A. Sauder
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA,Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Ann Scherzinger
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Shikha S. Sundaram
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kartik Shankar
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA,Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Dana Dabelea
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA,Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA,Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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Liu F, Wei L, Leow WQ, Liu SH, Ren YY, Wang XX, Li XH, Rao HY, Huang R, Wu N, Wee A, Zhao JM. Developing a New qFIBS Model Assessing Histological Features in Pediatric Patients With Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:925357. [PMID: 35833109 PMCID: PMC9271828 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.925357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The evolution of pediatric non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is associated with unique histological features. Pathological evaluation of liver specimen is often hindered by observer variability and diagnostic consensus is not always attainable. We investigated whether the qFIBS technique derived from adult NASH could be applied to pediatric NASH. Materials and Methods 102 pediatric patients (<18 years old) with liver biopsy-proven NASH were included. The liver biopsies were serially sectioned for hematoxylin-eosin and Masson trichrome staining for histological scoring, and for second harmonic generation (SHG) imaging. qFIBS-automated measure of fibrosis, inflammation, hepatocyte ballooning, and steatosis was estabilshed by using the NASH CRN scoring system as the reference standard. Results qFIBS showed the best correlation with steatosis (r = 0.84, P < 0.001); with ability to distinguish different grades of steatosis (AUROCs 0.90 and 0.98, sensitivity 0.71 and 0.93, and specificity 0.90 and 0.90). qFIBS correlation with fibrosis (r = 0.72, P < 0.001) was good with high AUROC values [qFibrosis (AUC) > 0.85 (0.85–0.95)] and ability to distinguish different stages of fibrosis. qFIBS showed weak correlation with ballooning (r = 0.38, P = 0.028) and inflammation (r = 0.46, P = 0.005); however, it could distinguish different grades of ballooning (AUROCs 0.73, sensitivity 0.36, and specificity 0.92) and inflammation (AUROCs 0.77, sensitivity 0.83, and specificity 0.53). Conclusion It was demonstrated that when qFIBS derived from adult NASH was performed on pediatric NASH, it could best distinguish the various histological grades of steatosis and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Liu
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Beijing International Cooperation Base for Science and Technology on NAFLD Diagnosis, Beijing, China
| | - Lai Wei
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Qiang Leow
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shu-Hong Liu
- Department of Pathology and Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ya-Yun Ren
- HistoIndex Pte Ltd., Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xiao-Xiao Wang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Beijing International Cooperation Base for Science and Technology on NAFLD Diagnosis, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-He Li
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Beijing International Cooperation Base for Science and Technology on NAFLD Diagnosis, Beijing, China
| | - Hui-Ying Rao
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Beijing International Cooperation Base for Science and Technology on NAFLD Diagnosis, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Huang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Beijing International Cooperation Base for Science and Technology on NAFLD Diagnosis, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Wu
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Beijing International Cooperation Base for Science and Technology on NAFLD Diagnosis, Beijing, China
| | - Aileen Wee
- Department of Pathology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- *Correspondence: Aileen Wee
| | - Jing-Min Zhao
- Department of Pathology and Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Jing-Min Zhao
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Lee-Kim V, Morkem R, Barber D, Flemming JA, Kehar M. Awareness, management, and practice patterns of pediatric NAFLD by primary care physicians. Paediatr Child Health 2022; 27:93-98. [PMID: 35599680 DOI: 10.1093/pch/pxab057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in children. Primary-care physicians (PCPs) play a key role in identifying patients requiring specialist referral. In this study, we aim to determine PCPs' practice patterns for paediatric NAFLD, as knowledge gaps have been reported for adult NAFLD. Methods A survey was sent to 60 PCPs in the Eastern Ontario Network from July 2019 to January 2020. Results Thirty-seven (62%) PCPs responded to the survey. Twenty-one incorrectly considered the prevalence of paediatric NAFLD to be ≤10%. The majority (35/36) cared for less than five paediatric NAFLD patients. Thirty-four (92%) were only 'slightly familiar' or 'not familiar at all' with paediatric NAFLD. Only one PCP routinely screens for NAFLD. Only one PCP was aware of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) clinical guidelines for paediatric NAFLD. Twenty-five (68%) correctly selected lifestyle modifications as a treatment option. Lack of confidence in the knowledge of NAFLD was the most common barrier for managing paediatric cases. Conclusion The majority of PCPs are not screening for paediatric NAFLD and are not familiar with its clinical spectrum, citing a lack of knowledge regarding NAFLD as the greatest barrier. This may cause delays in diagnosis and a presentation with advanced fibrosis at the time of specialist referral. Dissemination and implementation of clinical guidelines have the potential to improve knowledge and screening rates for NAFLD in children at the primary-care level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Lee-Kim
- Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rachael Morkem
- Department of Family Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Barber
- Department of Family Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer A Flemming
- Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mohit Kehar
- Department of Pediatrics, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Children Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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McCarthy JJ, Swartz S, Liljestrom T, Menigo J, Cotter L, Toth H. Med-Peds Residents' Career Plans and the Impact of Pediatric Hospital Medicine Fellowship: A Nationwide Survey. Hosp Top 2022; 101:336-343. [PMID: 35414350 DOI: 10.1080/00185868.2022.2063775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The establishment of pediatric hospital medicine (PHM) as a fellowship-trained subspecialty represents a major change in the practice landscape, particularly for combined internal medicine-pediatrics (med-peds) residents. The most recent literature on med-peds residents' career choices predates PHM fellowship and its impact has not been well studied. We aimed characterize med-peds residents' career plans and the factors influencing their choices. METHODS We distributed an electronic survey to the 1,505 resident members of the National Med-Peds Resident Association. In addition to sociodemographic data, participants reported their career plans, how well their residency prepared them for various aspects of practice, and their perceptions of PHM fellowship and its effect on their career choices. RESULTS Among the 228 participants, the most planned careers were combined hospital medicine (36.8%, 84/228), combined subspecialty practice (32.5%, 74/228), and primary care (31.1%, 71/228). Residents felt well prepared for patient care and significantly more prepared for inpatient practice than for primary care. Participants rated the potential disadvantages of PHM fellowship as major deterrents and did not view the possible advantages as strong incentives. Among those who had considered a hospital medicine careers, 91.2% (186/203) were less likely to pursue PHM after its certification as a subspecialty. CONCLUSION Med-peds residents have a wide range of career interests but fellowship has made them less likely to pursue PHM careers. These findings emphasize the importance of addressing the needs of med-peds trained providers as PHM certification pathways and fellowship curricula develop to avoid adverse effects on the workforce.
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Affiliation(s)
- James J McCarthy
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hospital Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hospital Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Sheila Swartz
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hospital Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hospital Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Tracey Liljestrom
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hospital Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hospital Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Joseph Menigo
- Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Residency Program, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Leah Cotter
- Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Residency Program, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Heather Toth
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hospital Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hospital Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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Wang C, Pai AK, Putra J. Paediatric non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: an approach to pathological evaluation. J Clin Pathol 2022; 75:443-451. [PMID: 35414523 DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2022-208246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming an increasingly important healthcare issue along with the rising rates of obesity worldwide. It is the most common chronic liver disease in the paediatric population and the fastest growing indication for liver transplant in young adults. The pathogenesis is complex with contributions from multiple factors and genetic predisposition. While non-invasive laboratory tests and imaging modalities are being increasingly used, the liver biopsy continues to play a crucial role in the diagnosis and prognosis of NAFLD. Histologically, the assessment of paediatric fatty liver disease requires special considerations with respect to a periportal predominant pattern seen in prepubertal patients, as well as a different set of disease processes in the differential diagnosis. In this review, we provide a summary of current knowledge on the epidemiology, pathogenesis and clinical course of paediatric NAFLD as well as the clinical guidelines on diagnosis and management. We discuss the indications and limitations of liver biopsy, histological patterns seen in paediatric NAFLD, other entities to be considered in the differential diagnosis, and conclude with appropriate triaging of liver biopsies and essential elements of pathology reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiyun Wang
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Anita K Pai
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Juan Putra
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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44
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Yodoshi T, Orkin S, Trout AT, Catalina Arce-Clachar A, Bramlage K, Liu C, Fei L, Dillman JR, Xanthakos SA, Mouzaki M. Non-Invasive Approaches to Estimate Liver Steatosis and Stiffness in Children With Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2022; 74:495-502. [PMID: 34908012 PMCID: PMC9673005 DOI: 10.1097/mpg.0000000000003371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To develop pediatric-specific models that predict liver stiffness and hepatic steatosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), based on clinical and laboratory data. METHODS Children with NAFLD, who had undergone magnetic resonance imaging with proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) for steatosis quantification and/or magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) for liver stiffness assessment were included. We used data from patients imaged between April 2009 to July 2018 to develop a predictive model for fat fraction and stiffness. We validated the performance of the models using data from a second cohort, imaged between 2018 and 2019. RESULTS The first cohort (n = 344) consisted of predominantly non-Hispanic (80%), male (67%) adolescents. MRE data were available for 343 children, while PDFF data were available for 130. In multivariable regression, ethnicity, insulin levels, platelet count, and aspartate aminotransferase independently predicted liver stiffness and these variables were used to develop the predictive model. Similarly, sex, ethnicity, alanine aminotransferase, and triglycerides levels independently predicted liver PDFF and were used in the PDFF model. The AUC of the optimal cutoff for the model that predicted a stiffness of >2.71 kPa was 0.70 and for the model that predicted PDFF >5% was 0.78. The validation group (n = 110) had similar characteristics. The correlation coefficient of the model with the measured liver stiffness was 0.30 and with the measured liver PDFF was 0.26. CONCLUSIONS Pediatric-specific models perform poorly at predicting exact liver stiffness and steatosis; however, in the absence of magnetic resonance imaging can be used to predict the presence of significant steatosis (>5%) and/or significant stiffness (>2.71). Thus, imaging remains an invaluable adjunct to laboratory investigations in determining disease severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshifumi Yodoshi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
- Department of Clinical Research and Quality Management, University of the Ryukyus Graduate School of Medicine, Okinawa Chubu Hospital, Okinawa, Japan
- Department of Pediatrics, Okinawa Chubu Hospital, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Sarah Orkin
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Andrew T. Trout
- Department of Radiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
- Department of Radiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Ana Catalina Arce-Clachar
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Kristin Bramlage
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Chunyan Liu
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Lin Fei
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Jonathan R. Dillman
- Department of Radiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
- Department of Radiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Stavra A. Xanthakos
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Marialena Mouzaki
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
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Tuccinardi D, Di Mauro A, Lattanzi G, Rossini G, Monte L, Beato I, Spiezia C, Bravo M, Watanabe M, Soare A, Kyanvash S, Armirotti A, Bertozzi SM, Gastaldelli A, Pedone C, Khazrai YM, Pozzilli P, Manfrini S. An extra virgin olive oil-enriched chocolate spread positively modulates insulin-resistance markers compared with a palm oil-enriched one in healthy young adults: A double-blind, cross-over, randomised controlled trial. Diabetes Metab Res Rev 2022; 38:e3492. [PMID: 34435429 PMCID: PMC9286378 DOI: 10.1002/dmrr.3492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To investigate if extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) or palm oil enriched chocolate spreads consumption leads to different results in terms of plasma ceramides concentration, glucose and lipid metabolism, inflammatory markers and appetite regulation in young healthy subjects. METHODS In a 2-week, double-blind, cross-over, randomised controlled trial, 20 healthy, normal-weight subjects with a mean age of 24.2 years (SD: 1.2), consumed chocolate spread snacks (73% of energy [%E] from fat, 20% from carbohydrates and 7% from proteins), providing 570 Kcal/day added to an isocaloric diet. The chocolate spreads were identical, except for the type of fat: EVOO oil, rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), or palm oil, rich in Saturated Fatty Acids (SFAs). RESULTS EVOO-enriched chocolate spread consumption led to better circulating sphingolipids and glucose profile, with reduced plasma ceramide C16:0, ceramide C16:0/ceramide C22:0-ceramide C24:0 ratio and sphingomyelin C18:0 (P = 0.030, P= 0.032 and P = 0.042, respectively) compared to the palm oil-enriched chocolate spread diet. HOMA-IR and plasma insulin were lower, while the Quicki and the McAuley Index were higher after the EVOO diet compared to the palm oil diet (P = 0.046, P = 0.045, P = 0.018 and P = 0.039 respectively). Subjects maintained a stable weight throughout the study. No major significant changes in total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, inflammatory markers, and appetite-regulating hormones/visual analogue scale were observed between the groups. CONCLUSIONS Partially replacing SFAs with MUFAs in a chocolate-based snack as part of a short-term isocaloric diet in healthy individuals may limit SFAs detrimental effects on insulin sensitivity and decrease circulating harmful sphingolipids in young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Tuccinardi
- Department of MedicineUnit of Endocrinology and DiabetesCampus Bio‐Medico of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Antonio Di Mauro
- Department of MedicineUnit of Endocrinology and DiabetesCampus Bio‐Medico of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Greta Lattanzi
- Department of MedicineUnit of Endocrinology and DiabetesCampus Bio‐Medico of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Giovanni Rossini
- Department of MedicineUnit of Endocrinology and DiabetesCampus Bio‐Medico of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Lavinia Monte
- Department of MedicineUnit of Endocrinology and DiabetesCampus Bio‐Medico of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Ivan Beato
- Department of MedicineUnit of Endocrinology and DiabetesCampus Bio‐Medico of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Chiara Spiezia
- Department of MedicineUnit of Endocrinology and DiabetesCampus Bio‐Medico of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Maria Bravo
- Department of MedicineUnit of Endocrinology and DiabetesCampus Bio‐Medico of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Mikiko Watanabe
- Department of Experimental MedicineSection of Medical PathophysiologyFood Science and EndocrinologySapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Andreea Soare
- Department of MedicineUnit of Endocrinology and DiabetesCampus Bio‐Medico of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Shadi Kyanvash
- Department of MedicineUnit of Endocrinology and DiabetesCampus Bio‐Medico of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Andrea Armirotti
- Analytical Chemistry LabFondazione Istituto Italiano di TecnologiaGenovaItaly
| | | | | | - Claudio Pedone
- Department of MedicineUnit of GeriatricsBiomedical Campus of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Yeganeh Manon Khazrai
- Department of MedicineUnit of Endocrinology and DiabetesCampus Bio‐Medico of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Paolo Pozzilli
- Department of MedicineUnit of Endocrinology and DiabetesCampus Bio‐Medico of RomeRomeItaly
- Centre of ImmunobiologyBarts and London School of Medicine and DentistryQueen Mary University of LondonLondonUK
| | - Silvia Manfrini
- Department of MedicineUnit of Endocrinology and DiabetesCampus Bio‐Medico of RomeRomeItaly
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Cohen CC, Perng W, Bekelman TA, Ringham BM, Scherzinger A, Shankar K, Dabelea D. Childhood nutrient intakes are differentially associated with hepatic and abdominal fats in adolescence: The EPOCH study. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2022; 30:460-471. [PMID: 35088559 PMCID: PMC9014654 DOI: 10.1002/oby.23344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine whether nutrient intakes in childhood are associated with abdominal and hepatic fat depots later in adolescence. METHODS Using data from 302 participants in the longitudinal Exploring Perinatal Outcomes among CHildren (EPOCH) study, energy partition and nutrient density models were constructed to examine associations of nutrient intakes in childhood (~10 years of age), assessed by food frequency questionnaire, with abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and hepatic fat in adolescence (~16 years of age). RESULTS In energy partition models (energy intake not held constant), total, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fat intakes in childhood were associated with higher SAT in adolescence (β [95% CI]: 8.5 [0.1-17.1], 25.1 [2.1-48.1], and 59.7 [16.1-103.3] mm2 per 100 kcal/d), higher starch intake was associated with log-hepatic fat (back-transformed β [95% CI]: 1.07 [1.01-1.15] per 100 kcal/d), and, in boys only, higher animal protein intake was associated with VAT (β [95% CI]: 5.3 [0.3-10.3] mm2 per 100 kcal/d). Most associations were unchanged when adjusted for energy intake in nutrient density models. CONCLUSIONS Childhood nutrient intakes were differentially associated with adolescent body fats; specifically, unsaturated fat intake predicted abdominal SAT, animal protein intake predicted VAT, and starch intake predicted hepatic fat. These nutrient intakes may, therefore, be targets for intervention studies aiming to modify adolescent body fat distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine C Cohen
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Wei Perng
- Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Traci A Bekelman
- Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Brandy M Ringham
- Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Ann Scherzinger
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Kartik Shankar
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Dana Dabelea
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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47
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The Prevalence of Elevated Alanine Aminotransferase Levels Meeting Clinical Action Thresholds in Children with Obesity in Primary Care Practice. J Pediatr 2022; 240:280-283. [PMID: 34562443 PMCID: PMC8841387 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2021.09.033] [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: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Using a clinically actionable threshold for alanine aminotransferase to define suspected nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in US children with obesity, the risk of suspected nonalcoholic fatty liver disease was highest for Asian and Hispanic race/ethnicity, male sex, and severe obesity.
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48
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Zhou X, Lin X, Chen J, Pu J, Wu W, Wu Z, Lin H, Huang K, Zhang L, Dai Y, Ni Y, Dong G, Fu J. Clinical spectrum transition and prediction model of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in children with obesity. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:986841. [PMID: 36120457 PMCID: PMC9471666 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.986841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to outline the clinical characteristics of pediatric NAFLD, as well as establish and validate a prediction model for the disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS The retrospective study enrolled 3216 children with obesity from January 2003 to May 2021. They were divided into obese without NAFLD, nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL), and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) groups. Clinical data were retrieved, and gender and chronologic characteristics were compared between groups. Data from the training set (3036) were assessed using univariate analyses and stepwise multivariate logistic regression, by which a nomogram was developed to estimate the probability of NAFLD. Another 180 cases received additional liver hydrogen proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) as a validation set. RESULTS The prevalence of NAFLD was higher in males than in females and has increased over the last 19 years. In total, 1915 cases were NAFLD, and the peak onset age was 10-12 years old. Hyperuricemia ranked first in childhood NAFLD comorbidities, followed by dyslipidemia, hypertension, metabolic syndrome (MetS), and dysglycemia. The AUROC of the eight-parameter nomogram, including waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), hip circumference (HC), triglyceride glucose-waist circumference (TyG-WC), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), apolipoprotein A1(ApoA1), insulin sensitivity index [ISI (composite)], and gender, for predicting NAFLD was 0.913 (sensitivity 80.70%, specificity 90.10%). Calibration curves demonstrated a great calibration ability of the model. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE NAFLD is the most common complication in children with obesity. The nomogram based on anthropometric and laboratory indicators performed well in predicting NAFLD. This can be used as a quick screening tool to assess pediatric NAFLD in children with obesity.
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49
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Cohen CC, Li KW, Alazraki AL, Beysen C, Carrier CA, Cleeton RL, Dandan M, Figueroa J, Knight-Scott J, Knott CJ, Newton KP, Nyangau EM, Sirlin CB, Ugalde-Nicalo PA, Welsh JA, Hellerstein MK, Schwimmer JB, Vos MB. Dietary sugar restriction reduces hepatic de novo lipogenesis in adolescent boys with fatty liver disease. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:150996. [PMID: 34907907 PMCID: PMC8670836 DOI: 10.1172/jci150996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDHepatic de novo lipogenesis (DNL) is elevated in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Improvements in hepatic fat by dietary sugar reduction may be mediated by reduced DNL, but data are limited, especially in children. We examined the effects of 8 weeks of dietary sugar restriction on hepatic DNL in adolescents with NAFLD and correlations between DNL and other metabolic outcomes.METHODSAdolescent boys with NAFLD (n = 29) participated in an 8-week, randomized controlled trial comparing a diet low in free sugars versus their usual diet. Hepatic DNL was measured as percentage contribution to plasma triglyceride palmitate using a 7-day metabolic labeling protocol with heavy water. Hepatic fat was measured by magnetic resonance imaging-proton density fat fraction.RESULTSHepatic DNL was significantly decreased in the treatment group (from 34.6% to 24.1%) versus the control group (33.9% to 34.6%) (adjusted week 8 mean difference: -10.6% [95% CI: -19.1%, -2.0%]), which was paralleled by greater decreases in hepatic fat (25.5% to 17.9% vs. 19.5% to 18.8%) and fasting insulin (44.3 to 34.7 vs. 35.5 to 37.0 μIU/mL). Percentage change in DNL during the intervention correlated significantly with changes in free-sugar intake (r = 0.48, P = 0.011), insulin (r = 0.40, P = 0.047), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (r = 0.39, P = 0.049), but not hepatic fat (r = 0.13, P = 0.532).CONCLUSIONOur results suggest that dietary sugar restriction reduces hepatic DNL and fasting insulin, in addition to reductions in hepatic fat and ALT, among adolescents with NAFLD. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that hepatic DNL is a critical metabolic abnormality linking dietary sugar and NAFLD.TRIAL REGISTRYClinicalTrials.gov NCT02513121.FUNDINGThe Nutrition Science Initiative (made possible by gifts from the Laura and John Arnold Foundation, Ambrose Monell Foundation, and individual donors), the UCSD Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute, the NIH, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University's Children's Clinical and Translational Discovery Core, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University Pediatric Biostatistical Core, the Georgia Clinical and Translational Science Alliance, and the NIH National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine C. Cohen
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Kelvin W. Li
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Adina L. Alazraki
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Department of Radiology, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Carissa A. Carrier
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Rebecca L. Cleeton
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Mohamad Dandan
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Janet Figueroa
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jack Knight-Scott
- Department of Radiology, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Cynthia J. Knott
- Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute, School of Medicine, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Kimberly P. Newton
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA.,Department of Gastroenterology, Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Edna M. Nyangau
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Claude B. Sirlin
- Liver Imaging Group, Department of Radiology, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Patricia A. Ugalde-Nicalo
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA.,Department of Gastroenterology, Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Jean A. Welsh
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Marc K. Hellerstein
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Jeffrey B. Schwimmer
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA.,Department of Gastroenterology, Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Miriam B. Vos
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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50
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Mitsinikos T, Mrowczynski-Hernandez P, Kohli R. Pediatric Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Pediatr Clin North Am 2021; 68:1309-1320. [PMID: 34736591 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcl.2021.07.013] [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] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Obesity has led fatty liver disease to become the most common chronic liver disease in children worldwide. Pediatric professional organizations have agreed that screening for fatty liver disease in children is the need of the hour. Once identified, prevention is key through appropriate dietary and activity prescriptions. Research continues to identify key pathways and genetic risk factors that predispose certain children to the more severe manifestations of this silent epidemic. We hope these novel observations lead to breakthrough treatments for these children that are severely impacted, such that they may no longer need liver transplantation as young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Mitsinikos
- Children's Hospital Los Angeles, 4650 Sunset Boulevard, MS #78, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
| | | | - Rohit Kohli
- Children's Hospital Los Angeles, 4650 Sunset Boulevard, MS #78, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA.
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