Serum Wnt5a and Its Associations with Liver Steatosis and Fibrosis in Overweight and Obese People

Abstract

To determine serum Wnt5a and its associations with liver steatosis and fibrosis in overweight and obese people. Methods The study participants were recruited from those who visited our hospital for health examinations. They were divided into three groups according to body mass index (BMI), controlled attenuation parameter (CAP)values and elasticity (E) values of liver fibroscan: Control ( n=27), Mild NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, n=51) and Moderate/severe NAFLD ( n=56). The waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), insulin releasing test (IRT), liver function, blood lipid, serum Wnt5a and β-catenin of those participants were measured. Results The three groups of participants had no significant differences in age, gender, BMI, WC or HC ( P>0.05). Significant differences appeared in fasting glucose, 2 h postprandial glucose and fasting insulin level between the three groups ( P<0.05), but not in 2 h postprandial insulin level ( P>0.05).The participants with NAFLD had higher levels of serum Wnt5a and β-catenin than controls ( P<0.05). Wnt5a level was correlated with CAP value ( r=-0.19, P<0.000 1), but barely with E value ( r=0.02, P=0.241). Conclusion Wnt5a may play a role at different stages of NAFLD in overweight/obese people.

Keywords: Obesity, Wnt5a, Liver steatosis, Liver fibrosis