Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 2, 2026

Isolation of Neonatal Extrahepatic Cholangiocytes
07:54

Isolation of Neonatal Extrahepatic Cholangiocytes

Published on: June 5, 2014

Neonatal intrahepatocellular lipid

E L Thomas1, S Uthaya, V Vasu

  • 1Molecular Imaging Group, MRC Clinical Sciences Centre, Imperial College London, London, UK.

Archives of Disease in Childhood. Fetal and Neonatal Edition
|August 30, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Preterm birth elevates intrahepatocellular lipids (IHCL) in infants, a marker linked to adiposity-associated diseases. This finding suggests a potential mechanism connecting preterm birth to later metabolic health risks.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatology
  • Metabolic Health
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Preterm birth is increasingly recognized as a risk factor for adiposity-associated diseases.
  • The underlying pathophysiology remains unclear.
  • Previous research indicated increased visceral adiposity in preterm infants by term-equivalent age.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate intrahepatocellular lipid (IHCL) levels in preterm-born infants at term-equivalent age.
  • To compare IHCL levels between preterm-at-term infants, term-born infants, and adults.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative measurement of IHCL using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H NMR).
  • Study cohort included 26 infants (8 healthy preterm-at-term, 18 term-born) and 32 adults as a reference group.

Main Results:

  • No significant difference in IHCL content was found between term-born infants and adults.
  • Preterm-at-term infants exhibited significantly elevated IHCL compared to both term-born infants and adults.
  • Median IHCL (CH2/water) values: preterm 1.69, term 0.21, adult 0.55.

Conclusions:

  • Infants born preterm have significantly higher intrahepatocellular lipid levels by term-equivalent age.
  • Elevated IHCL in preterm infants may represent an early indicator of metabolic alterations.
  • This finding provides a potential pathophysiological link between preterm birth and future adiposity-related health issues.

More Related Videos

Evaluation of Lipid Droplet Size and Fusion in Bovine Hepatic Cells08:37

Evaluation of Lipid Droplet Size and Fusion in Bovine Hepatic Cells

Published on: March 10, 2023

Analysis of Fluorescent-Stained Lipid Droplets with 3D Reconstruction for Hepatic Steatosis Assessment07:12

Analysis of Fluorescent-Stained Lipid Droplets with 3D Reconstruction for Hepatic Steatosis Assessment

Published on: June 2, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Cirrhosis I: Introduction01:23

Cirrhosis I: Introduction

Cirrhosis is a chronic, irreversible liver disease characterized by the widespread replacement of healthy liver tissue with fibrotic scar tissue and the formation of regenerative nodules.Etiology of cirrhosisCirrhosis results from sustained liver injury that triggers progressive fibrosis and structural remodeling. The underlying causes are diverse, encompassing common and less frequent clinical conditions. Regardless of the origin, all causes lead to chronic inflammation, hepatocyte loss, and...
Liver Regeneration01:24

Liver Regeneration

The liver is an important organ in vertebrates that plays an essential role in metabolism. It is also responsible for storing and redistributing nutrients such as carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins in the body. Additionally, the liver releases bile salts which are critical for digesting food and eliminating toxic metabolites from the body.
Cells of Liver
The liver comprises four major types of cells— hepatocytes, stellate, Kupffer, and sinusoidal endothelial cells. The hepatocytes are large...