Low plasma growth/differentiation factor 1 levels are associated with liver fibrosis in patients with stable angina

Growth differentiation factor 1 (GDF1) is a member of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily and a protective mediator against the development of post-infarction cardiac remodeling by negatively regulating MEK-ERK1/2 and Smad signaling pathways in the heart. The TGF-β/SMAD pathway has been shown to play a key role in the development of hepatic fibrosis. In addition, fatty liver disease has been associated with reduced MEK/ERK1/2 signaling. However, no previous study has investigated the association between GDF1 and liver fibrosis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the association between plasma GDF1 and liver fibrosis in patients with stable angina.

We included 327 consecutive patients with stable angina. ELISA was used to measure circulating levels of GDF1, and the fibrosis-4 index was used to assess liver fibrosis.

The advanced liver fibrosis group had lower median plasma GDF1 levels than those with minimal liver fibrosis. There was a significant negative association between GDF1 plasma level and fibrosis-4 index (r = -0.135, p = 0.019). A lower concentration of GDF1 was significantly and independently associated with an increased risk of liver fibrosis when concentration was analyzed as a continuous variable and by tertile. In addition, fibrosis-4 index, aspartate aminotransferase (AST)-to-platelet ratio index, and AST/alanine aminotransferase ratio were significantly associated with GDF1 concentration.

Our results indicated an association between low plasma GDF1 and liver fibrosis in the enrolled patients. Further investigations into the role of plasma GDF1 in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis are warranted.