Study finds link between essential trace elements and NASH
Essential trace elements play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of chronic liver diseases, particularly hepatitis C virus-related CLD (CLD-C) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), according to a study that found significant correlations between serum levels of zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), copper (Cu), and ferritin with various indicators of liver health in patients with CLD-C and NASH.
The study, involving 66 patients with CLD-C and 26 with NASH, focused on measuring Zn, Se, Cu, and ferritin levels.
One notable discovery was the association between serum ferritin levels and serum alanine aminotransferase levels in both CLD-C and NASH groups, emphasizing the relevance of ferritin in hepatic inflammation. Moreover, the study highlighted the significance of serum Zn and Se levels in relation to serum albumin levels, demonstrating an inverse relationship with the stages of hepatic fibrosis in both groups.
In patients with CLD-C, serum ferritin levels were positively associated, while serum Zn levels were inversely correlated with hepatic steatosis grades. Conversely, patients with NASH exhibited a close association between serum Se levels and hepatic steatosis grades.
Insulin resistance, a key factor in liver diseases, was also explored. Serum ferritin levels were positively correlated with homeostasis model for the assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) values in both groups, while serum Zn levels showed an inverse correlation. Notably, serum Se levels demonstrated a negative correlation with HOMA-IR values specifically in patients with CLD-C.
Reference
Himoto T, Fujita K, Mimura S, et al. Involvement of essential trace elements in the pathogenesis of hepatitis C virus‑related chronic liver disease and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Exp Ther Med. 2023;27(1):19. doi: 10.3892/etm.2023.12307. PMID: 38223320; PMCID: PMC10785032.
