Apolipoproteins Levels in Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Hepatology
• Metabolic Disorders

Background:

• Fatty liver disease (FLD) is a common condition associated with metabolic disorders.
• Apolipoprotein (Apo) level alterations may offer insights into FLD diagnosis and management.
• This study systematically reviews Apo level changes in various FLD phenotypes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate changes in apolipoprotein levels across different fatty liver disease phenotypes.
• To assess the potential of apolipoproteins as diagnostic biomarkers for FLD.
• To synthesize evidence from existing literature through a meta-analysis.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus databases.
• Application of predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria for study selection.
• Meta-analysis of 55 studies (432,328 individuals) to determine mean differences (MD) in Apo levels.

Main Results:

• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients showed lower ApoA-I (MD: -0.064) and higher ApoB (MD: 0.098) and ApoB100 (MD: 0.042) compared to controls.
• Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) patients exhibited lower ApoA-I (MD: -0.108) and higher ApoB (MD: 0.123).
• Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) patients had lower ApoA-I (MD: -0.068) and higher ApoB (MD: 0.099).

Conclusions:

• ApoA-I levels are decreased, while ApoB and ApoB100 levels are increased in NAFLD patients.
• NASH patients display elevated ApoB levels compared to simple steatosis.
• MAFLD patients present with elevated ApoB and ApoE levels, indicating potential diagnostic value.