Dynamics of Serum Retinol and Alpha-Tocopherol Levels According to Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Status

Abstract

The available data on the association between micronutrients in the blood and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are limited. To investigate the clinical implications of this relationship, we sought to identify the difference in the serum levels of vitamins A and E according to NAFLD status using data from the seventh Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. In this cross-sectional study of the Korean population, NAFLD and its severity were defined using prediction models. Differences in the prevalence and severity of NAFLD were analyzed according to serum retinol (vitamin A) and alpha (α)-tocopherol (vitamin E) levels. Serum levels of retinol and α-tocopherol were positively correlated with the prevalence of NAFLD. In most prediction models of the NAFLD subjects, serum retinol deficiency was significantly correlated with advanced fibrosis, while serum α-tocopherol levels did not differ between individuals with or without advanced fibrosis. Similar trends were also noted with cholesterol-adjusted levels of α-tocopherol. In summary, while circulating concentrations of retinol and α-tocopherol were positively associated with the presence of NAFLD, advanced liver fibrosis was only correlated with serum retinol levels. Our findings could provide insight into NAFLD patient care at a micronutrient level.

Associations of serum multivitamin levels with the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A population-based cross-sectional study in U.S. adults

“…With each increment of the VE level, the risk of NAFLD elevated by approximately 1.9% (95% CI: 1.1–1.2%). Jeon et al suggested that serum VE level was positively associated with the prevalence of NAFLD, which was similar to our findings ( 50 ). Alpha-tocopherol (VE) was identified as one of the predictors of MRI-determined liver fat ( 51 ).…”

The association between serum vitamin A and NAFLD among US adults varied in different BMI groups: a cross-sectional study

“…In this cross-sectional study of US adults, the serum VA levels were positively associated with the degree of NAFLD, and this association was influenced by the BMI, the results of which were similar to the Guangzhou Nutrition and Health Study 15 and the seventh Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. 27 The serum TG and HOMA-IR mediated the association between serum VA and NAFLD to varying degrees in different BMI groups. To the best of our knowledge, this work is the first nationally representative US population-based study to explore the association between serum VA and NAFLD and the first study to explore the possible modification of BMI on this association.…”

Er-Chen Decoction Alleviates High-Fat Diet-Induced Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Rats through Remodeling Gut Microbiota and Regulating the Serum Metabolism

“…Recently, the NAFLD incidence has increased, and it has replaced viral hepatitis as the most common chronic liver disease worldwide, with a prevalence of 25% in adults [2]. NAFLD could also develop into type 2 diabetes, liver cirrhosis, and liver cancer in severe cases, thus, posing a great threat to human life and health, and a major economic burden to patients, families, and society [3]. Currently, the major treatments for NAFLD are exercise therapy and pharmacological therapy; however, the acceptance and sustainability of exercise therapy are still lacking [4].…”