Analysis on neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin(NGAL)expression and its diagnostic efficacy in patients with non-alco-holic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)
Objective To investigate the expression of serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin(NGAL)levels in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)and analyze its relationship with the histopathological features of the liver and its diagnostic efficacy for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH).Methods A total of 234 patients with NAFLD diagnosed between January 2020 and April 2023 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University were included(NAFLD group).This group comprised 126 patients with NASH(NASH group)and 108 patients with just hepatic steatosis(NAFL group).Additionally,a control group of 100 healthy individuals who underwent physical examinations at the same hospital and the same period was recruited.Serum NGAL levels were measured and compared across the NASH group,NAFL group,and the control group.The correlation between serum NGAL levels and the histopathological characteristics of the liver in the NASH and NAFL groups was analyzed.Risk factors for NAFLD occurrence were also analyzed,and the efficacy of serum NGAL levels in diagnosing NASH was evaluated.Results The serum NGAL levels in the NASH and NAFL groups were significantly higher than those of the control group(both P＜0.05).Furthermore,the serum NGAL levels in the NASH group were significantly higher than those of the NAFL group(P＜0.05).Liver tissues from patients in the NASH group exhibited significant differences compared to the NAFL group in terms of steatosis,ballooning,intralobular inflammation,and fibrosis grades(all P＜0.05).Spearman rank correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between serum NGAL levels and scores of liver tissue steatosis,ballooning,and intralobular inflammation,and fibrosis grading in both the NASH and NAFL groups(all P＜0.05).High serum NGAL level was identified as an independent risk factor for developing NAFLD(P＜0.05).ROC curve analysis demonstrated an area under the curve(AUC)of 0.998 for serum NGAL level in diagnosing NASH.This analysis also revealed 1.000 specificity,0.960 sensitivity,and an optimal cut-off value of 49.23 g/mL.Serum NGAL levels demonstrate high diagnostic efficacy for NASH.Conclusion Serum NGAL levels are up-regulated in NAFLD patients,with even higher levels observed in those who progressed to NASH.Notably,these levels demonstrate high diagnostic efficacy for NASH.
Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipid transport proteinNon-alcoholic fatty liver diseaseNon-alcoholic steatohepatitisInflammationSteatosis
万方数据
维普
