Association between Serum Sialic Acid Levels and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: To assess the association between serum sialic acid (SA) levels and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in a Chinese population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed among 3,898 Chinese who took their annual health examination. Serum SA levels and other clinical and laboratory parameters were measured. Results: A total of 18.11% fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of NAFLD. NAFLD subjects with/without metabolic syndrome (MS) had significantly higher serum SA levels than those without NAFLD. Serum SA levels were significantly and positively correlated with components of MS (body mass index, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, triglyceride and fasting plasma glucose) in the NAFLD group. Stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that SA levels were significantly associated with the risk factor for NAFLD. Serum SA levels were negatively correlated with the FIB-4 score, and lower serum SA levels were independent factors predicting advanced fibrosis in subjects with NAFLD. Conclusions: Our results showed a significant association between serum SA levels and NAFLD.

Alterations in Fibrin Structure in Patients with Liver Diseases

“…Although the sialyation status of fibrinogen in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease has to our knowledge never been assessed, it has been reported that free plasma sialic acid levels are increased in patients with diabetes 70 and patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. 71 Interestingly, the permeability of plasma clots from patients with fatty liver disease-related cirrhosis was much lower compared with that of clots from patients with alcohol-induced cirrhosis of comparable severity. Part of this difference was explained by fibrinogen levels, which were much higher in patients with fatty liver disease-associated cirrhosis.…”

The role of omics in the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

“…Sialic acids in glycolipids or glycoproteins have diverse functions, including formation of a protective cell surface barrier, involvement in interactions of white blood cells with endothelial lining of blood vessels, recognition by pathogens and toxins and facilitation of cell migration by some cancers [ 216 ]. Circulating sialic acid levels have been positively associated with metabolic syndrome and with NAFLD [ 217 , 218 ]. Fucosylated glycans are also involved in a variety of physiological and pathological procedures, including cell adhesion and migration, angiogenesis, malignancy, tumor metastasis as well as immune cell development and regulation [ 219 ].…”

Serum Total Sialic Acid Level is Elevated in Hypothyroid Patients as an Atherosclerotic Risk Factor

“…Serum SA levels have been reported to be elevated in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), obesity, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and chronic renal failure, including patients on dialysis . Moreover, serum SA concentrations have been found to correlate with atherosclerotic risk factors, including blood levels of LDL‐C, triglycerides (TG), HDL‐C, fibrinogen, lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)), and uric acid, as well as with albuminuria and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) .…”