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Elevated peripheral blood monocyte fraction in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Hack-Lyoung Kim1, Goh Eun Chung, In Young Park
1Armed Forces Seoul Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
Abstract:
An elevated white blood cell (WBC) count is associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); however, a leukocyte subtype that is involved in the pathogenesis of NAFLD is not known. This study was conducted to investigate the association between NAFLD and WBC subtype fractions (%) among healthy elderly Koreans. A total of 794 subjects who underwent a health check-up were investigated. After excluding excessive alcohol intake and other liver diseases, NAFLD was diagnosed based on sonographic findings: hyperechogenecity of liver tissue, difference of echogenicity between liver and kidney, and visibility of vascular structures. The prevalence of NAFLD among entire cohort was 39.0% (310/794). The presence of NAFLD was significantly associated with higher blood WBC counts (5,485 ± 1073 vs. 5,230 ± 995 per mm(3), p = 0.001) and monocyte fraction (6.08 ± 2.40% vs. 5.12 ± 1.31%, p < 0.001). The multiple logistic regression analysis, after controlling confounders, including age, gender, body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, alanine aminotransferase, triglyceride, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, showed that the prevalence risk of NAFLD was increased significantly according to the monocyte fraction quartiles: odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for NAFLD were 1.00, 2.75 (1.63-4.62), 2.84 (1.67-4.84) and 5.17 (3.03-8.83), respectively. There were no significant associations between NAFLD and the total WBC count quartiles in this model. These results indicate that the elevated peripheral blood monocyte fraction is associated with NAFLD. The monocyte fraction might be a useful marker for NAFLD.
Insights
Elevated monocyte fraction, a type of white blood cell, is linked to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in elderly Koreans. This finding suggests monocyte fraction may serve as a useful biomarker for NAFLD.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Immunology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Elevated white blood cell (WBC) counts are associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
- The specific leukocyte subtype involved in NAFLD pathogenesis remains unclear.
- Research is needed to identify specific WBC subtypes linked to NAFLD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between NAFLD and WBC subtype fractions in healthy elderly Koreans.
- To determine if specific leukocyte subtypes are predictive of NAFLD presence.
- To explore the diagnostic potential of WBC subtypes in NAFLD.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 794 healthy elderly Koreans was studied.
- NAFLD diagnosis was based on characteristic liver hyperechogenicity and echogenicity differences between liver and kidney on ultrasound.
- Multiple logistic regression analysis controlled for confounders including age, BMI, and metabolic factors.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of NAFLD in the cohort was 39.0%.
- NAFLD presence was significantly associated with higher total WBC counts and monocyte fractions.
- Increased monocyte fraction quartiles showed a significant, dose-dependent increase in NAFLD prevalence risk (ORs 1.00-5.17).
- No significant association was found between total WBC count quartiles and NAFLD prevalence.
Conclusions:
- An elevated peripheral blood monocyte fraction is significantly associated with NAFLD in elderly Koreans.
- The monocyte fraction may serve as a valuable and accessible biomarker for NAFLD.
- Further research into the role of monocytes in NAFLD pathogenesis is warranted.
