Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 Predicts Quantity of Hepatic Steatosis Independent of Insulin Resistance and Body Weight

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the present study was to examine the association between plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), an acute phase protein strongly associated with cardiovascular disease risk, and adiposity, insulin resistance, and inflammation among overweight and obese children with a wide range of hepatic steatosis.

Methods: Plasma PAI-1 levels were measured in a prospectively recruited cohort of 39 overweight or obese children who underwent comprehensive anthropometric assessment and metabolic measurements. Hepatic steatosis was quantified using magnetic resonance spectroscopy and participants were divided into 3 groups based on whether they had normal hepatic steatosis (<5%), low hepatic steatosis (≥5%-10%), and high hepatic steatosis (>10%).

Results: Plasma PAI-1 levels significantly increased across the severity of hepatic steatosis in overweight and obese children, and this association was independent of body mass index z score, visceral fat, insulin resistance, and inflammatory markers (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Hepatic steatosis in children is positively associated with circulating levels of PAI-1 independent of body mass index, insulin resistance, and inflammatory markers. Further studies are needed to clarify the potential role of PAI-1 as a therapeutic target in pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01188083.

Conflict of interest statement

CONFLICT OF INTEREST/FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE STATEMENT All authors have no personal or financial conflicts of interest to declare.

Figures

Figure 1. Plasma concentration of PAI-1 significantly differed across the severity of hepatic steatosis

*p = 0.04 vs. normal hepatic fat group. ** p