Association between APOC3 polymorphisms and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease risk: a meta-analysis

Multiple genetic polymorphisms are associated with the risk of metabolic syndrome, fatty liver, and airflow limitation: A Taiwan Biobank study

BACKGROUND

Links have been reported between the airflow limitation and both metabolic syndrome (MetS) and fatty liver (FL). Additionally, associations between genetic factors and risks of MetS, FL, and airflow limitation have been identified separately in different studies. Our study aims to simultaneously explore the association between specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of certain genes and the risk of the three associated diseases.

METHODS

In this retrospective cross-sectional nationwide study, 150,709 participants from the Taiwan Biobank (TWB) were enrolled. We conducted a genotype-phenotype association analysis of nine SNPs on seven genes (ApoE-rs429358, MBOAT7-rs641738, LEPR-rs1805096, APOC3-rs2854116, APOC3-rs2854117, PPP1R3B-rs4240624, PPP1R3B-rs4841132, TM6SF2-rs58542926, and IFNL4-rs368234815) using data from the TWB1.0 and TWB2.0 genotype dataset. Participants underwent a series of assessments including questionnaires, blood examinations, abdominal ultrasounds, and spirometry examinations.

RESULTS

MetS was associated with FL and airflow limitation. ApoE-rs429358, LEPR-rs1805096, APOC3-rs2854116, APOC3-rs2854117, PPP1R3B-rs4240624, PPP1R3B-rs4841132, and TM6SF2-rs58542926 were significantly associated with the risk of MetS. The cumulative impact of T alleles of ApoE-rs429358 and TM6SF2-rs58542926 on the risk of FL was observed (p-value for trend < 0.001). Individuals without MetS and airflow limitation carrying LEPR-rs1805096 G_G genotype exhibited a reduction in the forced expiratory volume in 1 s percentage prediction (Coefficient -35, 95 % confidence interval (CI) -69.7- -0.4), low forced vital capacity percentage prediction (Coefficient -41.6, 95 % CI -82.6- -0.6), and low vital capacity percentage prediction (Coefficient -42.2, 95 % CI -84.2- -0.1).

CONCLUSIONS

MetS significantly correlated with FL and airflow limitation. Multiple SNPs were notably associated with MetS. Specifically, T alleles of ApoE-rs429358 and TM6SF2-rs58542926 cumulatively increased the risk of FL. LEPR-rs1805096 shows a trend-wise association with pulmonary function, which is significant in patients without MetS or airflow limitation.

Associations of PNPLA3 and LEP genetic polymorphisms with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease in Thai people living with human immunodeficiency virus

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a growing public health issue in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH). However, the pathophysiology of MAFLD is still unknown, and the role of genetic variables is only now becoming evident.

AIM

To evaluate the associations of gene-polymorphism-related MAFLD in PLWH.

METHODS

The study employed transient elastography with a controlled attenuation parameter ≥ 248 dB/m to identify MAFLD in patients from a Super Tertiary Hospital in central Thailand. Candidate single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped using TaqMan® MGB probe 5' nuclease assays for seven MAFLD-related genes. Statistical analyses included SNP frequency analysis, Fisher's Exact and Chi-square tests, odds ratio calculations, and multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

The G-allele carriers of PNPLA3 (rs738409) exhibited a two-fold rise in MAFLD, increasing by 2.5 times in MAFLD with human immunodeficiency virus infection. The clinical features and genetic patterns imply that LEP rs7799039 A-allele carriers had a nine times (P = 0.001) more significant chance of developing aberrant triglyceride among PLWH.

CONCLUSION

The current study shows an association between PNPLA3 rs738409 and LEP rs7799039 with MAFLD in PLWH.

Exploring the role of genetic variations in NAFLD: implications for disease pathogenesis and precision medicine approaches

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the leading causes of chronic liver diseases, affecting more than one-quarter of people worldwide. Hepatic steatosis can progress to more severe forms of NAFLD, including NASH and cirrhosis. It also may develop secondary diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Genetic and environmental factors regulate NAFLD incidence and progression, making it a complex disease. The contribution of various environmental risk factors, such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, hyperlipidemia, diet, and sedentary lifestyle, to the exacerbation of liver injury is highly understood. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms of genetic variations in the NAFLD occurrence or its deterioration still need to be clarified. Hence, understanding the genetic susceptibility to NAFLD is essential for controlling the course of the disease. The current review discusses genetics' role in the pathological pathways of NAFLD, including lipid and glucose metabolism, insulin resistance, cellular stresses, and immune responses. Additionally, it explains the role of the genetic components in the induction and progression of NAFLD in lean individuals. Finally, it highlights the utility of genetic knowledge in precision medicine for the early diagnosis and treatment of NAFLD patients.

Exploring the Multifaceted Landscape of MASLD: A Comprehensive Synthesis of Recent Studies, from Pathophysiology to Organoids and Beyond

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a widespread contributor to chronic liver disease globally. A recent consensus on renaming liver disease was established, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, MASLD, was chosen as the replacement for NAFLD. The disease's range extends from the less severe MASLD, previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL), to the more intense metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), previously known as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), characterized by inflammation and apoptosis. This research project endeavors to comprehensively synthesize the most recent studies on MASLD, encompassing a wide spectrum of topics such as pathophysiology, risk factors, dietary influences, lifestyle management, genetics, epigenetics, therapeutic approaches, and the prospective trajectory of MASLD, particularly exploring its connection with organoids.

Nutritional Genomics in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common chronic condition associated with genetic and environmental factors in which fat abnormally accumulates in the liver. NAFLD is epidemiologically associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Environmental factors, such as physical inactivity and an unbalanced diet, interact with genetic factors, such as epigenetic mechanisms and polymorphisms for the genesis and development of the condition. Different genetic polymorphisms seem to be involved in this context, including variants in PNPLA3, TM6SF2, PEMT, and CHDH genes, playing a role in the disease's susceptibility, development, and severity. From carbohydrate intake and weight loss to omega-3 supplementation and caloric restriction, different dietary and nutritional factors appear to be involved in controlling the onset and progression of NAFLD conditions influencing metabolism, gene, and protein expression. The polygenic risk score represents a sum of trait-associated alleles carried by an individual and seems to be associated with NAFLD outcomes depending on the dietary context. Understanding the exact extent to which lifestyle interventions and genetic predispositions can play a role in the prevention and management of NAFLD can be crucial for the establishment of a personalized and integrative approach to patients.

Genetic Polymorphisms and Diversity in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): A Mini Review

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common liver disease with a wide spectrum of liver conditions ranging from hepatic steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The prevalence of NAFLD varies across populations, and different ethnicities have specific risks for the disease. NAFLD is a multi-factorial disease where the genetics, metabolic, and environmental factors interplay and modulate the disease's development and progression. Several genetic polymorphisms have been identified and are associated with the disease risk. This mini-review discussed the NAFLD's genetic polymorphisms and focusing on the differences in the findings between the populations (diversity), including of those reports that did not show any significant association. The challenges of genetic diversity are also summarized. Understanding the genetic contribution of NAFLD will allow for better diagnosis and management explicitly tailored for the various populations.

Association of sorting and assembly machinery component 50 homolog gene polymorphisms with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease susceptibility

BACKGROUND

Sorting and assembly machinery component 50 homolog (SAMM50) gene single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been connected with the susceptibility of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but with inconsistent results across the current evidence. The present work was schemed to explore the association between SAMM50 gene SNPs and NAFLD vulnerability via meta-analysis.

METHODS

PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang were retrieved for eligible literature previous to June 10, 2021. The odds ratios (ORs) of the dichotomic variables and the standardized mean difference of quantitative variables with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were computed to evaluate the strength of the associations. The quality of included studies was assessed using Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS).

RESULTS

In total, 8 case-control studies encompassing 6297 NAFLD patients and 7306 disease-free controls in this meta-analysis. Ultimately, this analysis included 8, 6, and 5 studies for rs2143571, rs3761472, and rs738491 polymorphisms respectively. The pooled data revealed that the 3 polymorphisms had conspicuous associations with NAFLD susceptibility: rs2143571, A vs. G, OR=1.51, 95% CI, 1.37-1.66, P < .01; rs3761472, A vs. G, OR=1.50, 95% CI, 1.35-1.67, P < .01; rs738491, A vs. G, OR=1.51, 95% CI, 1.40-1.63, P < .01.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis suggests that rs2143571, rs3761472, and rs738491 polymorphisms of the SAMM50 gene are appreciably associated with augmented risk of NAFLD vulnerability. It will provide the latest evidence to support the susceptibility of SAMM50 gene polymorphisms and NAFLD, and provide strategies for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD.

Metabolically associated fatty liver disease – a disease of the 21st century: A review

Metabolically associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a widespread chronic disease characterized by increased accumulation of fat in the liver, which is based on metabolic dysfunction. The incidence of MAFLD is well over 20% in most regions of the world and is on an increasing trend. Current thinking considers the etiology and pathogenesis of MAFLD under the concept of "multiple parallel blows". According to this model, the development and progression of the disease are due to the interaction of multiple genetic, environmental and adaptive factors, which include specific genetic polymorphisms (e.g., the PNPLA3 gene) and epigenetic modifications, dietary patterns (e.g. high saturated fat and fructose intake), sedentary activity, obesity, insulin resistance, dysregulation of adipokines, lipotoxicity, oxidative stress, and gut microbiota dysbiosis (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth syndrome). The basis for the diagnosis of MAFLD is the presence of proven hepatic steatosis in combination with one of the following criteria: overweight/obesity, presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus, signs of metabolic dysregulation. Nonmedicamental therapies recommended for patients with MAFLD include weight loss (if overweight or obese), reduction of saturated fatty acid and fructose intake, and inclusion of adequate amounts of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and dietary fibre (psyllium) in the diet. Pharmacotherapy of MAFLD should be aimed at correcting insulin resistance, improving liver function and reducing the risk of associated diseases.

Editor's choice: this December 2020

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