Weight loss amelioration of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis linked to shifts in hepatic ceramide expression and serum ceramide levels.

ABSTRACT:

Aim

  Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is associated with increased hepatic insulin resistance. Ceramides and other toxic sphingolipids promote inflammation, lipotoxicity and insulin resistance; however, the role of ceramides in the pathogenesis of NASH has not been determined. This study characterizes expression of ceramide-related genes in human livers with NASH and examines the effects of weight loss on NASH and pro-ceramide gene expression in liver.

Methods

  Liver biopsies were obtained to assess the histopathological status of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease/NASH prior to and following completion of a 1-year course of implementing either lifestyle changes or a standard enrichment protocol designed to encourage weight loss. Liver biopsy samples were used to measur

SUBMITTER: Promrat K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4550290 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature