Activated complement factor 3 is associated with liver fat and liver enzymes: the CODAM study. (16th April 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wlazlo, Nick; van, Marleen M. J.; Ferreira, Isabel; Jansen, Eugene H. J. M.; Feskens, Edith J. M.; van der, Carla J. H.; Schalkwijk, Casper G.; Bravenboer, Bert; Stehouwer, Coen D. A.
• Is Part Of: European journal of clinical investigation. Volume 43:Number 7(2013:Jul.)
• Page Start: 679
• Page End: 688
• Publication Date: 2013-04-16
• Subjects: Pathology -- Periodicals; Medical research -- Periodicals; 616.075
• DOI: 10.1111/eci.12093
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0014-2972

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="eci12093-abs-0001"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="eci12093-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Background</title> <p>The complement system may be involved in the pathogenesis of alcoholic and nonalcoholic liver disease, although studies in humans are scarce. For this reason, we investigated whether circulating levels of activated complement factor 3 (C3a) were associated with hepatic steatosis and hepatocellular damage.</p> </sec> <sec id="eci12093-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Materials and methods</title> <p>Plasma C3a, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT) were determined in 523 individuals (61% men, age 59 ± 7 years). Liver enzymes (LEs) were standardized and compiled into a LE score. Liver fat content was estimated using a predictive equation that has recently been validated with magnetic resonance spectrometry. Cross‐sectional associations between C3a and liver fat or LE s were investigated with multiple linear regression analyses, stratified in no‐to‐moderate vs. heavy alcohol consumers (men: > 30 g/day; women: > 20 g/day).</p> </sec> <sec id="eci12093-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>C3a was associated with liver fat percentage both in the no‐to‐moderate (β = 0·223; 95%CI 0·036; 0·409) and in the heavy alcohol consumers (β = 0·632; 95%CI 0·259–1·004; P‐interactio<italic>n </italic>= 0·047). C3a was also associated with the LE score in heavy alcohol consumers (β = 0·917; 95%CI 0·443–1·392), but not in no‐to‐moderate alcohol consumers (β = 0·042; 95%CI −0·198 to 0·281; P‐interaction = 0·001).</p> </sec> <sec id="eci12093-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>C3a levels, as a marker of complement activation, were associated with liver fat content and hepatocellular injury, at least in subjects who consume considerable amounts of alcohol daily.</p> </sec> </abstract>