Are Serum Levels of Nuclear Factor Kappa B and Forkhead Box Protein P3 in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Related to Severity of Fibrosis?

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Inflammation has a significant impact on the development and progression of fatty liver diseases.In this study, we aimed to investigate the relation between serum levels of nuclear factor kappa B (NFkB) and Forkhead box protein P3 (FOXP3)with fibrosis severity among patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).

METHODS

In a prospective study, the patients suspicios of havingfatty liver were enrolled. The exclusion criteria lack of viral hepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis, Wilson's or other known liver diseases,history of liver or biliary surgery,bariatric surgery, and medications that influence liver metabolism. The participantsunderwent liver fibroscan.According to liver fibrosis, the patients weredivided into two groups; 1)fibrosis less than 7.2 KP,2)advanced NAFLD, fibrosis ≥7.3 KP.  A10cc  fasting blood sample was taken from each patient for laboratory assessments.The variables between the two groups were compared usingChi-square or Fisher’s exact test.The independence of cytokines was assessed by a logistic regression test. 

RESULTS

Totally 90patients were enrolled.The mean age was 42.21±11 years. Of them, 50 and 47 participants were allocated to groups 1 and 2, respectively. In the univariate analysis, we revealed asignificant difference between age, body mass index (BMI), fasting blood glucose,  liver enzymes , total cholesterol, andtriglyceride levels. Also, there was a significant difference betweenthe levels of NFKB and FOXP3ingroup one comparedwith group two of the participants,as FOXP3(9.17±10.0 vs. 18.63±12.9;p<0.001) and  NFKB (1.70± 1.70;p<0.01). After excluding the confounding factors, we observed a significant association between fibrosis level and cytokine levels in logistic regression.

CONCLUSION

Serum levels of  NFKB and FOXP3 increased by advancing liver fibrosis in patients with NAFLD.This is an independent association. The identification of intermediary regulatory factors would be necessary.