Serum Liver Fatty Acid Binding Protein Shows Good Correlation with Liver Histology in NASH

Background/aims: Simple, reproducible and non-invasive tests that can be used to determine the severity of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are needed. Liver-type fatty acid binding protein (L-FABP) plays a key role in the fatty acid metabolism of the liver. We aimed to determine whether serum L-FABP levels in patients with NASH were different from those in healthy controls, and if so, whether this was associated with the degree of fibrosis, steatosis and inflammatory activity.

Methodology: Forty-seven patients with histologically confirmed NASH and 41 healthy controls were included in the study. Serum L-FABP levels were measured in all participants.

Results: Mean L-FABP levels were significantly higher in patients with NASH compared to the control group (2703.19±1603.47 vs. 1684.58±860.19, p<0.001). Serum L-FABP levels showed a significant positive correlation with NAS score (p=0.03, r=0.312), the degree of fibrosis (p=0.02, r=0.324) and inflammation (p=0.03, r=0.312), BMI (p=0.05, r=0.303), serum ALT (p=0.01, r=0.28), AST (p=0.04, r=0.315), and triglyceride levels (p=0.03, r=0.328).

Conclusions: Serum L-FABP levels are elevated in NASH and this elevation is positively correlated with the degree of fibrosis and inflammation. L-FABP levels may aid as a non-invasive marker in determining the severity of fibrosis and inflammation in patients with NASH.