Evaluation of serum micro-RNA as a new biomarker for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25460706
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Laboratory medicine
• Research Institution: Fujita Health University
• Principal Investigator: TERADAIRA Ryoji 藤田保健衛生大学, 医療科学部, 名誉教授 (80087668)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): OHASHI Koji 藤田保健衛生大学, 大学院保健学研究科, 教授 (60278281)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: 非アルコール性脂肪肝（NAFLD） / 血清miR-122 / バイオマーカー / 臨床検査

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We compared the utility of serum miR-122 with routine clinical chemistry at consecutive time points during the onset of NAFLD using high-fat diet (HFD)-induced NAFLD model rats.
To clarify changes in serum levels of miR-122 during development of NAFLD, experimental rats were fed a HFD for 2-10 weeks, while control rats received standard chow. Over the 10 weeks of feeding, body weight, total liver lipids, and liver and serum triacylglycerol were increased in the HFD group compared to the control group. However, no significant changes in serum alanine aminotransferase activity were observed, suggesting that NAFLD status was mild. In contrast, we observed drastic up-regulation of circulating miR-122 levels.
Circulating miR-122 level might be superior to clinical markers traditionally used to monitor hepatic disease.

Free Research Field

臨床検査学