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Published on: November 30, 2016
MicroRNA and Protein Biomarkers of Intestinal Permeability in the Assessment of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated
Dominika Białek1, Ewa Wunsch1, Agnieszka Kempińska-Podhorodecka2
1Department of Translational Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland.
Abstract:
Intestinal barrier dysfunction and microRNA dysregulation are proposed contributors to progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). We aimed to assess selected protein and miRNA biomarkers of intestinal permeability in relation to MASLD severity. We included 104 patients with MASLD and 57 healthy controls. Serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP), diamine oxidase (DAO), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and miRNAs (miR-21, miR-29a, miR-122) were measured. Multivariable logistic regression identified independent predictors of steatosis and fibrosis severity. Patients with MASLD showed higher LBP levels (p = 0.002) and increased serum miR-122 expression (p < 0.0001) compared with controls. LBP correlated with CAP values (Rho = 0.23, p = 0.02) and was elevated in advanced steatosis (p = 0.04). DAO levels correlated with CAP (Rho = 0.22, p = 0.02) and were higher in advanced steatosis (p = 0.04) but decreased in advanced fibrosis (p = 0.04). MiR-122 correlated with fibrosis indices (TE: Rho = 0.22, p = 0.03; APRI: Rho = 0.41, p = 0.0001) and liver enzymes (ALT: Rho = 0.40, AST: Rho = 0.50, both p < 0.0001). Logistic regression identified elevated miR-122 and reduced miR-21 as independent predictors of MASLD, while DAO and transaminases predicted advanced steatosis. Elevated serum miR-122, alongside reduced miR-21, independently predict MASLD. DAO is associated with steatosis severity, while miR-122 reflects fibrotic progression.
Insights
Biomarkers like miR-122 and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein indicate intestinal barrier dysfunction in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Elevated miR-122 and reduced miR-21 independently predict MASLD, while DAO indicates steatosis severity.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Gastroenterology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Intestinal barrier dysfunction and microRNA dysregulation are implicated in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) progression.
- Understanding the role of intestinal permeability biomarkers is crucial for assessing MASLD severity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate specific protein and microRNA (miRNA) biomarkers of intestinal permeability in relation to MASLD severity.
- To identify independent predictors of steatosis and fibrosis in MASLD patients.
Main Methods:
- Serum levels of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP), diamine oxidase (DAO), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and miRNAs (miR-21, miR-29a, miR-122) were measured in 104 MASLD patients and 57 controls.
- Multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to identify independent predictors of disease severity.
Main Results:
- MASLD patients exhibited higher LBP and miR-122 levels compared to controls.
- LBP and DAO correlated with steatosis severity (CAP values), while miR-122 correlated with fibrosis indices (TE, APRI) and liver enzymes (ALT, AST).
- Elevated miR-122 and reduced miR-21 were identified as independent predictors of MASLD; DAO predicted advanced steatosis.
Conclusions:
- Elevated serum miR-122 and reduced miR-21 independently predict MASLD.
- DAO is associated with steatosis severity, and miR-122 reflects fibrotic progression in MASLD.
