Leonie H Bogl1, Jaakko Kaprio2, Kirsi H Pietiläinen3. 1. Department of Epidemiology, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090, Vienna, Austria; Institute for Molecular Medicine FIMM, University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland. Electronic address: leonie-helen.bogl@meduniwien.ac.at. 2. Institute for Molecular Medicine FIMM, University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland; Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland. 3. Obesity Research Unit, Research Programs Unit, Diabetes and Obesity Research Program, University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland; Abdominal Center, Endocrinology, Helsinki University Central Hospital and University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIM: Lifestyle changes focusing on diet and exercise remain the cornerstone of the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The present co-twin control study of monozygotic (MZ) twin pairs was designed to identify nutritional factors potentially involved in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 50 MZ twin pairs (age range: 23-36 years), of which ten pairs were discordant for liver fat (liver fat percentage of one twin ≤5% and his/her co-twin >5% and a difference between co-twins of >5%) as determined by magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Nutrient intake was calculated from 3-day food records. RESULTS: Among the ten liver fat-discordant twin pairs, the n-6: n-3 ratio was significantly higher in the twins with higher liver as compared to their co-twins with lower liver fat (6.6:1 vs. 3.2:1, p-value = 0.005). In multiple regression analysis of within-pair differences including all 50 twin pairs, a higher n-6: n-3 ratio was significantly associated with a higher liver fat percentage within MZ twin pairs after adjustment for body mass index, energy intake and other covariates (standardized beta = 0.43, p-value = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the n-6: n-3 ratio is a promising dietary agent for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD. Clinical trials are required to better understand causal relationships and required doses.
BACKGROUND & AIM: Lifestyle changes focusing on diet and exercise remain the cornerstone of the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The present co-twin control study of monozygotic (MZ) twin pairs was designed to identify nutritional factors potentially involved in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 50 MZ twin pairs (age range: 23-36 years), of which ten pairs were discordant for liver fat (liver fat percentage of one twin ≤5% and his/her co-twin >5% and a difference between co-twins of >5%) as determined by magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Nutrient intake was calculated from 3-day food records. RESULTS: Among the ten liver fat-discordant twin pairs, the n-6: n-3 ratio was significantly higher in the twins with higher liver as compared to their co-twins with lower liver fat (6.6:1 vs. 3.2:1, p-value = 0.005). In multiple regression analysis of within-pair differences including all 50 twin pairs, a higher n-6: n-3 ratio was significantly associated with a higher liver fat percentage within MZ twin pairs after adjustment for body mass index, energy intake and other covariates (standardized beta = 0.43, p-value = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the n-6: n-3 ratio is a promising dietary agent for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD. Clinical trials are required to better understand causal relationships and required doses.
Authors: Fuzhen Wan; Feng Pan; Oyekoya Ayonrinde; Leon A Adams; Trevor A Mori; Lawrence J Beilin; Therese A O'Sullivan; John K Olynyk; Wendy H Oddy Journal: Eur J Nutr Date: 2022-07-03 Impact factor: 5.614