Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 30, 2026
06:26
Mouse Model of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease with Fibrosis
Published on: July 18, 2025
843
Circulating Thrombospondin-2 Levels Reflect Hepatic Fibrosis Severity and Renal Dysfunction in a General Population:
Sachiko Kyogoku1, Hisashi Adachi2, Mika Enomoto1
1Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine.
The Kurume Medical Journal
|January 28, 2026
Summary
Serum thrombospondin-2 (TSP-2) is linked to liver fibrosis and kidney dysfunction in a Japanese population. Elevated TSP-2 levels correlate with worsening liver fibrosis and declining kidney function.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Nephrology
- Hepatology
Background:
- Serum thrombospondin-2 (TSP-2) is involved in collagen and fibrin formation.
- Preclinical data suggest TSP-2's role in liver fibrosis and renal impairment.
- Clinical significance of serum TSP-2 in general population liver and kidney health is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the association between serum TSP-2 levels and hepatic fibrosis severity.
- Examine the relationship between serum TSP-2 levels and renal dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study in Uku Town, Japan (2019) with 225 participants.
- Direct measurement of serum TSP-2 levels.
- Univariate and multivariate analyses to assess associations.
Main Results:
- Serum TSP-2 levels significantly increased with higher FIB-4 index scores (p=0.003).
- TSP-2 levels progressively rose with decreasing estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (p=0.027).
- Association between TSP-2 and FIB-4 index remained significant after adjusting for confounders (p<0.001).
Conclusions:
- Serum TSP-2 levels are significantly associated with liver fibrosis.
- Serum TSP-2 levels are significantly associated with renal dysfunction.
- These associations are present even in a healthy Japanese general population.
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