Research Article Details

Article ID: A06303
PMID: 32935743
Source: Arq Gastroenterol
Title: DISTINCT PHENOTYPE OF NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE IN PATIENTS WITH LOW LEVELS OF FREE COPPER AND OF CERULOPLASMIN.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Copper deficiency has been linked to alterations in lipid metabolism and hepatic steatosis. Oxidative stress plays a role in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). One of the enzymes that neutralize oxidative stress is Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase, which depends on the availability of adequate amounts of copper. OBJECTIVE: Correlate the levels of ceruloplasmin and of non-ceruloplasmin-bound copper (NCBC) with clinical, biochemical and histological parameters of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients. METHODS: Data from 95 consecutively admitted NAFLD patients who underwent liver biopsy composed the groups based on ceruloplasmin levels lower than 25 mg/dL and on negative NCBC. The risk factors for NAFLD in each group were compared. RESULTS: Body mass index was lower in patients with ceruloplasmin <25 mg/dL (29.1&#177;3.47 vs 32.8&#177;6.24 kg/m2; P=0.005) as were the levels of LDL, HDL and total cholesterol, when compared with their counterparts with ceruloplasmin >25 mg/dL (101&#177;38 vs 116&#177;35 mg/dL, P=0.05; 43&#177;9 vs 51&#177;16 mg/dL, P=0.01; 174&#177;43 vs 197&#177;39 mg/dL, P=0.01, respectively). Mean serum ferritin levels were higher in the ceruloplasmin <25 mg/dL group (343&#177;327 vs 197&#177;190 ng/mL; P=0.02). Otherwise, patients with negative NCBC had higher HOMA-IR (8.2&#177;14.7 vs 4.6&#177;3.7; P=0.03). Age, gender, hypertension and diabetes showed no statistical difference. CONCLUSION: Patients with NAFLD had different clinical and biochemical markers according to the levels of NCBC and ceruloplasmin.
DOI: 10.1590/S0004-2803.202000000-47