Exploration of the correlation between metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and the FAM19A5...

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a prevalent metabolic disorder characterized by liver fat accumulation. Family with sequence similarity 19 member A5 (FAM19A5), a cytokine involved in metabolic regulation, may serve as a potential biomarker for MASLD diagnosis and treatment. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 37 participants from Quanzhou First Hospital between January and April 2024, including 18 MASLD patients and 19 healthy controls. Demographic data, anthropometric measurements, and clinical parameters were collected, and plasma FAM19A5 levels were quantified using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. After univariable analysis to screen variables associated with FAM19A5 levels, significant variables were included and potential confounders were adjusted for, followed by constructing multivariable linear regression models via stepwise variable selection. All statistical analyses were carried out using SPSS 26.0. Significant negative correlations were found between FAM19A5 levels and MASLD, body mass index, and total cholesterol. The expression of FAM19A5 was notably lower in MASLD patients, suggesting its potential role in the disease's pathophysiology. FAM19A5 could be a novel diagnostic biomarker for MASLD, with lower expression levels associated with the disease. Further research involving a broader patient population is needed to establish causality and explore its clinical implications.