Genetic Variant in Apolipoprotein C3 Gene and Fatty Liver in Obese Children

• genotype distribution of APOC3 rs2854117 and rs2854116 polymorphisms in subjects with and without liver steatosis [ Time Frame: Oct 2013 ~ Dec 2013 (Anticipated) ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  

• genotype distribution of APOC3 rs2854117 and rs2854116 polymorphisms in subjects with and without insulin resistance [ Time Frame: Oct 2013 ~ Dec 2013 (Anticipated) ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  

In the past decades, obesity in children is much more prevalent in the world. Given the increasing prevalence of pediatric obesity worldwide, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) incidence is on the rise.

The pathogenesis of NAFLD is multifactorial. NAFLD is strongly associated with obesity and insulin resistance. In addition to environmental risk factors, several studies have suggested that the individual genetic variations contributed to the NAFLD susceptibility or progression. In 2010, Shulman et al. demonstrated rs2854117 C > T and rs2854116 T > C single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in apolipoprotein C3 (APOC3) gene had a strong association with increased liver fat content.

APOC3 rs2854117 C > T and rs2854116 T > C SNPs had previously been found to be associated with increased plasma triglyceride levels. These two APOC3 variants lead to increased uptake of chylomicron remnants by the liver, which results in NAFLD and hepatic insulin resistance.

The study subjects of this report were Asian Indian adults. There was no data in terms of this genetic polymorphism in Chinese population and in children. Herein the investigators will test the hypothesis that APOC3 rs2854117 C > T and rs2854116 T > C SNPs are associated with liver steatosis and serum liver enzyme values in obese Taiwanese children.

The primary aim of this study is to assess the associations between to investigate the association of rs2854117 C > T and rs2854116 T > C SNPs of the APOC3 gene with liver steatosis, as measured by liver ultrasound. As a secondary aim, the investigators will examine the associations between APOC3 rs2854117 C > T and rs2854116 T > C SNPs and serum ALT and AST levels. In addition, the investigators will further analyze the association with other biomarkers, such as body mass index, adiponectin and insulin resistance.