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An Advanced Murine Model for Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis in Association with Type 2 Diabetes
Published on: April 26, 2019
Low 25-hydroxyvitamin D level is not an independent risk factor for hepatosteatosis in obese children
Insights
Vitamin D levels were not directly associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in obese children. However, higher alanine aminotransferase and triglyceride-to-HDL ratios, and lower HDL levels were significant indicators of hepatic steatosis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Hepatology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Obesity is a significant risk factor for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
- Limited research exists on the link between vitamin D and NAFLD in pediatric populations.
- This study investigates vitamin D status in relation to hepatosteatosis in obese children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between serum vitamin D levels and the presence and grade of hepatosteatosis in obese children.
- To compare metabolic and biochemical markers between obese children with and without hepatosteatosis.
Main Methods:
- One hundred and eleven obese children were included.
- Hepatosteatosis diagnosis and grading were performed using ultrasonography.
- Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, parathormone, and lipids were measured.
Main Results:
- Hepatosteatosis was present in 52% of obese children.
- No significant difference in vitamin D levels was found between groups with and without hepatosteatosis.
- The hepatosteatosis group showed significantly higher alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and triglycerides-to-HDL ratio, and lower HDL levels.
Conclusions:
- Vitamin D deficiency is not directly correlated with hepatosteatosis in obese children.
- Elevated ALT levels and altered lipid profiles (high triglycerides-to-HDL ratio, low HDL) are more significant indicators of hepatic steatosis in this population.
Background:
Obesity is an important risk factor for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Few studies have evaluated the association between vitamin D and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in obese children. Therefore, we conducted a study to examine the relationship of vitamin D levels and hepatosteatosis in obese children.
Methods:
One hundred and eleven children with obesity participated in this study. Hepatosteatosis was diagnosed and graded using ultrasonography in all patients. Study participants were divided based on the presence of hepatosteatosis into two subgroups (hepatosteatosis and non-hepatosteatosis). Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, parathormone, and lipids were measured and compared.
Results:
Hepatosteatosis existed in 52% of obese children without chronic diseases. There was no statistically significant difference in the vitamin D level between the hepatosteatosis and non-hepatosteatosis groups. Alanine aminotransferase levels and the triglycerides-to-high density lipoprotein ratio were significantly higher, and the high density lipoprotein levels were significantly lower in the hepatosteatosis group compared to the non-hepatosteatosis group.
Conclusions:
Vitamin D deficiency is not directly related with hepatosteatosis. A high ALT level and a high triglycerides-to-HDL ratio and low HDL levels are more significant in hepatic steatosis in obese children.
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