A Human REPIN1 Gene Variant: Genetic Risk Factor for the Development of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Clin Transl Gastroenterol. 2020 Jan;11(1):e00114. doi: 10.14309/ctg.0000000000000114.

Abstract

Objectives: We tested the hypothesis that a genetic deletion (Del) variant in the REPIN1 gene is associated with the severity of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in humans.

Methods: Sixty-three donors of liver biopsies from individuals with obesity and different degrees of NAFLD and fibrosis were screened for a Del REPIN1 gene variant and liver REPIN1 mRNA expression.

Results: In 8 homozygous Del carriers, we found significantly lower NAFLD activity and fibrosis scores compared with 55 wild-type allele carriers.

Discussion: A Del variant of REPIN1 may be associated with a lower risk of the development of NAFLD.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alleles
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics*
  • Female
  • Gene Deletion
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Homozygote
  • Humans
  • Liver Cirrhosis / etiology
  • Liver Cirrhosis / genetics*
  • Liver Cirrhosis / metabolism
  • Liver Cirrhosis / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / complications
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / genetics*
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / metabolism
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / pathology
  • Obesity / complications
  • Protective Factors
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism*
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / genetics*
  • Severity of Illness Index

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • REPIN1 protein, human
  • RNA, Messenger
  • RNA-Binding Proteins