Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified 31 previously unknown genetic regions linked to liver fat levels, offering new insights into the causes of fatty liver disease and the risk of developing liver cancer.
The study analyzed genetic data and MRI scans from 71,488 people of European descent in the UK Biobank. Published in Nature Genetics, it is the largest study to examine the entire genome alongside MRI-based measurements of liver fat.
Fatty liver disease occurs when triglycerides, a type of fat, accumulate in the liver. Although genetics play an important role in the condition, scientists have not fully understood which genes contribute to its development.
The research team identified 60 genetic regions associated with liver fat levels, including 31 that had not previously been linked to this trait. The findings suggest that common genetic differences account for around 25% of the variation in liver fat levels among individuals.
“By almost doubling the number of known genetic regions linked to liver fat, we get a clearer picture of the biological processes behind fatty liver disease,” said Stefano Romeo, a professor at Karolinska Institutet’s Department of Medicine in Huddinge.
Researchers also used multiple methods to identify the genes potentially affected by these genetic variations. They identified likely disease-related genes in 48 of the 60 regions.
Additionally, the team developed a genetic risk score based on numerous genetic variants. People with the highest scores were more likely to develop fatty liver disease and liver cancer than those with the lowest scores. This suggests that inherited factors contributing to liver fat accumulation may also influence the risk of liver disease later in life.
However, the researchers noted that the study included only people of European descent. Further research involving more diverse populations is needed to determine whether the findings apply to other groups. Scientists must also confirm some of the newly identified genetic regions.
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