Plasma high mobility group box 1 protein reflects fibrosis in pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Immunology

Background:

• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) impacts 3-12% of children.
• High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is an inflammatory mediator in liver diseases, but its role in pediatric NAFLD is unclear.
• Investigating HMGB1's role in pediatric NAFLD is crucial for understanding disease mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between circulating HMGB1, TGF-β, and MCP-1 levels and liver damage in pediatric NAFLD.
• To determine if HMGB1 is associated with fibrosis and inflammation in children with NAFLD.

Main Methods:

• Measured plasma levels of HMGB1, TGF-β, and MCP-1 in 110 obese children with biopsy-proven NAFLD and 40 obese controls.
• Analyzed associations between these markers and liver enzymes (ALT, AST) and cholesterol levels.
• Correlated marker levels with the degree of liver fibrosis.

Main Results:

• Children with NAFLD showed significantly higher plasma levels of HMGB1, TGF-β, MCP-1, ALT, AST, and cholesterol compared to controls.
• Increased HMGB1, TGF-β, and MCP-1 levels were significantly associated with advanced liver fibrosis.
• Circulating HMGB1 levels were elevated in pediatric NAFLD and correlated with fibrosis and systemic inflammation.

Conclusions:

• Circulating HMGB1 is elevated in children with NAFLD.
• HMGB1 levels are strongly correlated with liver fibrosis and systemic inflammation in pediatric NAFLD.
• HMGB1 may serve as a potential biomarker for liver damage and fibrosis in pediatric NAFLD.