INFLAMMATORY BIOMARKERS AND LIVER STATUS IN SUBJECTS WITH NONALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE AFTER A 6-MONTH WEIGHT LOSS INTERVENTION: THE FLiO STUDY

Introduction: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of liver disease in Western countries. The pathogenesis and progression of NAFLD are complex and are strongly associated with obesity and insulin resistancerelated comorbidities. NAFLD involves dysregulation of inflammatory biomarkers. However, the role of inflammation in the management of NAFLD is not fully understood. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a dietary weight loss intervention on inflammatory biomarkers and liver status in overweight or obese subjects with NAFLD after a 6-month follow-up. Methods: Ninety-eight overweight or obese adults with ultrasonography-proven liver steatosis were enrolled to participate in a weight loss intervention following a personalized energy-restricted diet accompanied by healthy lifestyle advice (FLiO: Fatty Liver in Obesity study; NCT03183193). Anthropometry, body composition, biochemical parameters, hepatic enzymes, Fatty Liver Index (FLI) and Hepatic Steatosis Index (HSI) were assessed at baseline and after the 6-month follow-up. Results: Seventy-six subjects completed the 6-month intervention period. Participants showed significant beneficial effects on anthropometry, body composition, blood pressure, lipid and glycemic profiles as well as on hepatic biomarkers. Moreover, significant improvements in leptin (p