Restriction of dietary calories, fat and iron improves non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
BACKGROUND
The pathogenesis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is unclear. Recent studies suggested that oxidative stress plays an important role in the mechanism of NASH. Excessive accumulation of iron in the liver causes oxidative stress. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the grade of hepatic iron accumulation and the therapeutic response to restriction of calories, fat and iron in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).


METHODS
Twenty-seven NAFLD patients were enrolled. The patients were categorized into two groups: 17 patients with NASH and 10 with simple steatosis. Twelve NAFLD patients (NASH, n = 9; simple steatosis, n = 3) were given a dietary prescription including restriction of energy, fat and iron.


RESULTS
Positive iron staining was observed in 71% and 50% of patients with NASH and simple steatosis, respectively. The average energy intake, fat energy fraction and iron intake decreased significantly 6 months after the beginning of the diet in all patients. In addition, the levels of serum transaminase and ferritin were significantly decreased.


CONCLUSIONS
Dietary restriction of calories, fat and iron improved NAFLD. Reduced serum ferritin levels appear to reduce oxidative stress in the liver.
Yamamoto
Mika
M
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Division of Clinical Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Medical Science, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, Tsu, Mie, Japan.
Iwasa
Motoh
M
Iwata
Kazuko
K
Kaito
Masahiko
M
Sugimoto
Ryosuke
R
Urawa
Naohito
N
Mifuji
Rumi
R
Konishi
Masayoshi
M
Kobayashi
Yoshinao
Y
Adachi
Yukihiko
Y
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000097:blood; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases / Q000097:blood; D015992:Body Mass Index; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004435:Eating; D002149:Energy Intake; D005234:Fatty Liver / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005293:Ferritins / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007501:Iron / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood
D004041:Dietary Fats; D014280:Triglycerides; D005293:Ferritins; D007501:Iron; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases; D000410:Alanine Transaminase