Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM: The present study aims to investigate the role of genetic variability of the PNPLA3 gene (adiponectin) in predisposition to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by comparing NAFLD patients to healthy controls and to investigate any impact of the PNPLA3 genetic variability on the natural course of the disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cohort consisted of 174 patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD and 151 healthy controls. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood and the rs738409 C>G single nucleotide polymorphism was assessed using PCR-DNA sequencing. RESULTS: The frequency distribution of the GG genotype was significantly higher in NAFLD patients than in controls (p=0.01). In patients with NAFLD, the GG genotype was associated with lower platelet counts (p=0.001), the presence of steatohepatitis (p=0.04) and hepatic fibrosis (p=0.016). After adjustment for age, gender, obesity, and diabetes mellitus, the GG genotype was an independent predictor of significant hepatic fibrosis (adjusted odds ratio =3.031 p=0.012). From the baseline to sequential liver biopsies, the progression of NAS in NAFLD patients was slightly higher in the GG genotype than that of CC and GG genotypes (p=0.18). CONCLUSION: The PNPLA3 GG genotype is a predisposing factor for the development of hepatic steatosis in NAFLD patients and related to a more severe liver disease.