Plasma ApoE elevations are associated with NAFLD: The PREVEND Study

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Metabolic Diseases
• Cardiovascular Research

Background:

• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with dyslipidemia, particularly elevated very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL).
• The role of plasma apolipoprotein E (ApoE) in the pathophysiology of NAFLD remains incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate whether plasma ApoE levels are elevated in individuals with suspected NAFLD.
• To examine the association between plasma ApoE levels and NAFLD, considering ApoE genotypes.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of plasma ApoE levels and ApoE genotypes in 6,762 participants from the PREVEND cohort.
• Utilized a Fatty Liver Index (FLI) ≥ 60 as a surrogate marker for NAFLD.
• Employed multivariable linear regression and stratified analyses to assess associations.

Main Results:

• A FLI ≥ 60 was observed in 1,834 participants, correlating with increased triglycerides, non-HDL cholesterol, ApoB, and ApoE (P<0.001).
• Plasma ApoE levels were positively associated with an elevated FLI in multivariable analysis (β = 0.201, P<0.001), independent of ApoE genotype.
• This association persisted across different ApoE genotypes (all P<0.001).

Conclusions:

• NAFLD is characterized by elevated plasma ApoE levels.
• Increased plasma ApoE may play a role in altered VLDL metabolism and heightened atherosclerosis risk in NAFLD patients.