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Predictive Role of Interleukin-18 in Liver Steatosis in Obese Children

Marta Flisiak-Jackiewicz1, Anna Bobrus-Chociej1, Eugeniusz Tarasów2

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Gastroenterology and Allergology, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland.

Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology
|June 2, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is elevated in obese children with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Higher IL-18 levels correlate with liver steatosis severity, suggesting its role in predicting fatty liver in this population.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Hepatology
  • Metabolic Syndrome Research

Background:

  • Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a proinflammatory cytokine linked to metabolic syndrome (MS).
  • Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a key component of MS.
  • Understanding IL-18's role in pediatric NAFLD is crucial for early detection and management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate serum IL-18 levels in obese children with NAFLD.
  • To correlate IL-18 concentrations with indicators of liver steatosis and metabolic dysfunction.
  • To assess IL-18's potential as a biomarker for advanced liver steatosis in obese children.

Main Methods:

  • Serum IL-18 was measured using ELISA in 108 obese children.
  • Liver steatosis was assessed by ultrasound (USG) and magnetic resonance proton spectroscopy (¹HMRS).
  • Statistical analyses correlated IL-18 levels with clinical and biochemical parameters.

Main Results:

  • Obese children with NAFLD exhibited significantly higher serum IL-18 levels compared to controls.
  • IL-18 showed significant correlations with liver enzymes (ALT, GGT), triglycerides, hsCRP, and degree of liver steatosis.
  • Elevated IL-18 levels were associated with advanced liver steatosis and differentiated children with fatty liver from those without.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated serum IL-18 supports its role in the pathomechanism of NAFLD in obese children.
  • IL-18 may serve as a valuable predictor of advanced liver steatosis and fatty liver in pediatric populations.
  • Further research can explore IL-18's therapeutic implications in managing pediatric NAFLD.
Abstract

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