A complex role of activin A in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Objectives: Recent studies suggest that activin A, a member of the transforming growth factor (TGF) superfamily, is involved in the pathogenesis of liver disorders. We sought to explore its possible role in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Methods: Serum levels of activin A and its natural inhibitor, follistatin, were measured in patients with NAFLD (n=70) and in control subjects (n=30).

Abnormal glucose tolerance is a predictor of steatohepatitis and fibrosis in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Objective: The majority of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have simple steatosis. A minority, however, present with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a condition that can lead to advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis. The frequencies of NASH and fibrosis among patients with NAFLD and sustained elevation of liver function tests (LFT) are uncertain.