Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Medindia
Advertisement

Elevated Liver Values in Children is a Combination of Overweight and Gene Mutation

by Himabindu Venkatakrishnan on June 18, 2014 at 12:34 PM
 Elevated Liver Values in Children is a Combination of Overweight and Gene Mutation

A common mutation in the PNPLA3 gene in combination with overweight results in an elevated ALAT values in children, shows a study carried out at the Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Eastern Finland.

The ALAT value is an indicator of liver metabolism. In adults, this gene mutation is known to promote the accumulation of fat in the liver. The new results indicate that a healthy lifestyle is important already in childhood in order to prevent the accumulation of fat in the liver, and it is especially important for those carrying the risk gene. The results will be published in Pediatric Obesity. A pre-print version is available on the journal website.

Advertisement

Overweight is often associated with the accumulation of fat in the liver, which is harmful for health. This results in decreased insulin sensitivity in the liver, making the overweight-induced problems in glucose and lipid metabolism worse. In addition to the amount of overweight, genetic factors also play a role in the accumulation of fat in the liver. A common mutation in the PNPLA3 gene prevents the breakdown of triglycerides in the liver and promotes the accumulation of fat. The role of the gene in the accumulation of fat in the liver has been studied very scarcely in children, and there aren't any previous follow-up studies.

This recently published study carried out at the University of Eastern Finland showed that the liver ALAT values of overweight children who are carriers of the gene mutation are more elevated than those of other children.
Advertisement

Furthermore, a follow-up of just two years showed that the liver values of overweight children who are carriers of the gene mutation are clearly elevated when compared to other children. The gene mutation without the presence of overweight did not elevate liver values. The observations indicate that it is specifically the co-existence of extra fat tissue and the gene mutation that causes the elevated liver values already in childhood. Moreover, merely being overweight without being a carrier of the gene mutation was linked to elevated liver values; however, the gene mutation significantly increased the occurrence of elevated liver values. The significance of the research finding for public health is emphasized by the fact that 41% of the children who participated in the study were carriers of the PNPLA3 gene mutation associated with fatty liver, and 15% of the children were overweight.

The study included 481 healthy 6-to-8 year-old girls and boys from the Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children Study, PANIC. The Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children Study is an on-going lifestyle intervention study, which produces valuable information on children's lifestyles, health and well-being all the way into adulthood.

Source: Eurekalert
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Readings

Latest Child Health News

Group B Streptococcus Threat to Newborns
The presence of Streptococcus in the placenta was associated with a two- to three-fold increase in the probability of neonatal unit admission.
Can Maternal Discrimination Influence Baby's Brain Development?
Facing discrimination and acculturating during pregnancy could not only affect the mother but also potentially harm the baby's brain health.
Respiratory Infections Spike Among Kids in China
A number of pathogens are to blame for the rise in childhood acute respiratory diseases, according to Chinese health officials.
Measles Immunization Gaps in India Exposed
World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlight the deficiencies in disease surveillance efforts.
Gender-Specific Brain Injury Interventions for Newborns
Need for gender-specific interventions in brain injuries has been highlighted by a new study due to its higher prevalence in newborn boys.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
×

Elevated Liver Values in Children is a Combination of Overweight and Gene Mutation Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests