title: Restriction of dietary calories, fat and iron improves non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
abstract: 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.
authors: 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.
authors: Mika
authors: M
authors: Yamamoto
authors: Motoh
authors: M
authors: Iwasa
authors: Kazuko
authors: K
authors: Iwata
authors: Masahiko
authors: M
authors: Kaito
authors: Ryosuke
authors: R
authors: Sugimoto
authors: Naohito
authors: N
authors: Urawa
authors: Rumi
authors: R
authors: Mifuji
authors: Masayoshi
authors: M
authors: Konishi
authors: Yoshinao
authors: Y
authors: Kobayashi
authors: Yukihiko
authors: Y
authors: Adachi
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D004041:Dietary Fats; D014280:Triglycerides; D005293:Ferritins; D007501:Iron; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases; D000410:Alanine Transaminase