Major components of metabolic syndrome and nutritional intakes in different genotype of UCP2 −866G/A gene polymorphisms in patients with NAFLD

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that dietary modifications in combination with genetic predisposition play an important role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. In the current study we aimed to investigate the major components of metabolic syndrome in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nutritional intakes according to different genotype of uncoupling protein-2 (UCP2) −866G/A gene polymorphism in these patients. METHODS: In this study 151 participants including 75 patients with NAFLD and 76 healthy individuals were enrolled. Dietary intakes were assessed using a semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire. Physical activity was obtained by metabolic equivalent questionnaire. Anthropometric assessments were conducted by a trained researcher and body mass index and waist to hip ratio were calculated. Body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis and biochemical assays including fasting serum glucose, liver enzymes and lipid profiles were measured. Polymorphisms of −866G/A UCP2 gene was determined using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. RESULTS: Serum triglyceride concentrations in 53.3 % of NAFLD patients compared with 35.5 % of control group was more than 150 mg/dl (P = 0.034). A significantly higher prevalence of low serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations was also observed in female NAFLD patients (P < 0.001). Dietary intakes in NAFLD group were not significantly different compared with control group (P > 0.05). However, according to genotypes patients with AG genotype had significantly higher protein consumption compared with control group (P < 0.05). Significantly higher consumption of dietary iron and copper in NAFLD patients with AG genotype was only observed among patients with NAFLD. However, the comparison of macro and micronutrient intakes in control group sound for stronger differences for AA genotype although these differences did not achieve significant threshold. CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of metabolic abnormalities was reported among NAFLD patients. Additionally, among NAFLD group, patients with AG genotype significantly consumed more protein, iron and copper in their usual diet.