Apolipoprotein E4 allele is associated with substantial changes in the plasma lipids and hyaluronic acid content in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

J Physiol Pharmacol. 2013 Dec;64(6):711-7.

Abstract

Fat may affect progression of liver damage in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In this study we characterize the state of lipid metabolism in 22 patients with NAFLD and different Apo-E variants. Total concentration of plasma total fatty acids was quantified by gas chromatography, while their derivatives by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC ESI MS/MS). The ratio of plasma saturated fatty acid to monounsaturated fatty acid increased, whereas the ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids was reduced in Apo-E4 carriers. Simultaneously, the levels of individual plasma linoleic, arachidonic, and alpha linolenic acids significantly increased in subjects with the Apo-E4 allele. The 15-lipoxygenase metabolite, 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid, was significantly higher in Apo-E3 carriers (p<0.006). 5-oxo-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid was significantly elevated in Apo-E4 carriers (p<0.009). A significant difference in hyaluronic acid concentration (p<0.0016) as well as predicted advanced fibrosis (using the BARD scoring system) was found in Apo-E4 carriers (p<0.01). We suggest that a distinct mechanism of fibrosis between Apo E alleles. In Apo-E4 carriers, an elevation in 5-oxo-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid synthesis and fatty acid dysfunction may induce fibrosis, while an inflammatory process may be the main cause of fibrosis in Apo-E3 carriers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Alleles
  • Apolipoprotein E4 / genetics*
  • Arachidonic Acids / blood
  • Fatty Acids / blood*
  • Fatty Liver / blood*
  • Fatty Liver / genetics*
  • Female
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Hyaluronic Acid / blood*
  • Linoleic Acids / blood
  • Liver Cirrhosis / blood
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Substances

  • Apolipoprotein E4
  • Arachidonic Acids
  • Fatty Acids
  • Linoleic Acids
  • 5-oxo-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid
  • 13-hydroxy-9,11-octadecadienoic acid
  • Hyaluronic Acid