Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Is Associated with a Decreased Catalase (CAT) Level, CT Genotypes and the T Allele of the -262 C/T CAT Polymorphism

Abstract

Background: It is well known that oxidative stress plays an important role in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It has been suggested that an insufficient antioxidant defense system composed of antioxidant enzymes, including catalase (CAT) and nonenzymatic molecules, is a key factor triggering oxidative damage in the progression of liver disease. Therefore, the aim of our study was to assess whether the level of CAT and -262 C/T polymorphism in the promoter of CAT (rs1001179) are associated with NAFLD. Methods: In total, 281 adults (152/129 female/male, aged 65.61 ± 10.44 years) were included in the study. The patients were assigned to an NAFLD group (n = 139) or a group without NAFLD (n = 142) based on the results of an ultrasound, the Hepatic Steatosis Index, and the Fatty Liver Index (FLI). CAT levels were determined using an ELISA test, and genomic DNA was extracted via the standard phenol/chloroform-based method and genotyped via RFLP-PCR. Results: The CAT level was decreased in NAFLD patients (p < 0.001), and an ROC analysis revealed that a CAT level lower than 473.55 U/L significantly increases the risk of NAFLD. In turn, genotyping showed that the CT genotype and the T allele of -262 C/T CAT polymorphism elevate the risk of NAFLD. The diminished CAT level in the NAFLD group correlated with increased FLI, waist circumference and female gender. Conclusion: The obtained results support observations that oxidative damage associated with NAFLD may be the result of a decreased CAT level as a part of the antioxidant defense system.

Protective effect of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CCFM8661 against heavy metal mixture-induced liver and kidney injury in mice

“…CAT is an important antioxidant enzyme in the body that reduces oxidative stress in tissues by breaking down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. 16 The effects of L. plantarum CCFM8661 on CAT activity in the liver and kidney tissues of mice are shown in Fig. 3b and 4b.…”

What are the common downstream molecular events between alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty liver?

“…However, preclinical studies concerning catalase favor its role in addition to preclinical studies. Recent in vivo observations have shown that decreased catalase levels, leading to an insufficient antioxidant defense system, are a characteristic of 139 NAFLD patients [ 154 ]. In addition, methyl donors, such as S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) and betaine, may act via the attenuation of alcohol-induced oxidative stress in male C57BL/6 J mice [ 155 ].…”