Annals of Hepatology (Apr 2009)

Common SPINK-1 mutations do not predispose to the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

  • Nevin Oruc;,
  • Omer Ozutemiz;,
  • Ulus Salih Akarca;,
  • Afig Berdeli;,
  • Galip Ersoz;,
  • Fulya Gunsar;,
  • Zeki Karasu;,
  • Tankut Ilter;,
  • Yucel Batur

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 8, no. 2
pp. 116 – 119

Abstract

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Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is common in obese and diabetics. Serine protease inhibitor Kazal-1 (SPINK-1) protein is highly expressed in the liver and adipose tissue of diabetic and obese suggesting its role in NAFLD. SPINK-1 also behaves as an acute phase reactant protein. Some genetic factors including the genetic variations in SPINK-1 protein have been linked to chronic pancreatitis and diabetes. We therefore hypothesized that SPINK-1 mutations might be a risk factor for the development of NAFLD.Methods: Liver biopsy proven fifty NAFLD cases (20 steatohepatitis, 30 diffuse fatty liver disease and 44 healthy controls were included to the study. Liver function tests were measured. Body mass index was calculated. Insulin resistance was determined by using a homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR). Ultrasound evaluation was performed for each subject. Common genetic mutations in the third exon of SPINK-1 gene were analyzed by direct sequencing method.Results: We found two cases with a SNP at N34S location in NAFLD group (allele frequency %4). One subject with diffuse fatty liver disease and other with liver cirrhosis due to NAFLD had N34S mutation. No SNPs were detected in healthy controls. In conclusions, in limited number of patients SPINK-1 mutations were not considered as a risk factor alone for NAFLD development.

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