Association between Melatonin Value and Interleukins1B, -18, and -33 Levels in Patients with Different Stages of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Interaction between immune modulators and inflammatory factors is considered as one of the main underlying pathologies of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Hence we aimed to assess the association between these cytokines and melatonin. METHODS: We enrolled adult patients diagnosed with fatty liver by ultrasonography in a crosssectional study. All of them underwent Fibroscan evaluation. The subjects who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria for NAFLD were involved. A normal group who did not have NAFLD, viral or non-viral hepatitis, and without a history of pancreatobiliary surgery, bariatric surgery, and intake of any medication that influence the liver was also selected. The participants were categorized into the three following groups: 1) fibrosis>9.1 kPa and steatosis>290 dbm, 2) fibrosis: 6-9.0 kPa and steatosis 240-290 dbm, and 3) normal group with fibrosis<6.0 kPa and steatosis<240 dbm. Laboratory assessment and a questionnaire including demographic, anthropometric, laboratories, and clinical data were completed for each of them. RESULTS: Totally 97 subjects were enrolled in the present study. The mean age of the subjects was 42.2±11.3 years. 60% of them (59 patients) were female. Serum levels of melatonin, interleukin (IL)-1B, IL-18, and IL-33 increased according to the advancing of NAFLD state. Based on multiple linear regression model, melatonin was significantly associated with IL-1B (β=2.8, P<0.001,95% CI=1.41-4.19), IL-18 (β=0.018, P=0.0005, 95% CI=0.006-0.03), and IL-33 (β=0.31, P=0.045, 95% CI=0.008-0.62) after adjustment for other variables. CONCLUSION: Melatonin level has a strong association with these cytokines. This linkage probably influences on the development and progression of NAFLD. Therefore it can be hypothesized that the therapeutic approach that affects this process may have a significant impact.

Effects of a Two-Year Lifestyle Intervention on Intrahepatic Fat Reduction and Renal Health: Mitigation of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress, a Randomized Trial

“…The current study reveals a notable trend since participants who failed to improve their IFC over the 2-year intervention exhibited increased IL-18 plasma levels, while those who succeeded experienced significant reductions compared to the other group. This finding aligns with previous research demonstrating high serum IL-18 levels correlating with the progression of MAFLD and advancing fibrosis [74]. The relationship between plasma IL-18 levels and MAFLD progression, coupled with its association with renal injury, suggests the potential of IL-18 as a valuable biomarker in managing these metabolic conditions.…”

Melatonin Prevents Alcohol- and Metabolic Dysfunction- Associated Steatotic Liver Disease by Mitigating Gut Dysbiosis, Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction, and Endotoxemia

“…One study detailing the beneficial role of MT in managing obesity demonstrated that MT supplementation stimulated thermogenesis in brown fat cells and attenuated lipogenesis in white fat cells and hepatocytes to support that MT can prevent the development or progression of MASLD caused by a Western-style HFD [171]. MT may also regulate feeding hormones such as ghrelin [20] and the inflammatory processes [172][173][174] that commonly contribute to obesity-related MASLD [20].…”