The prognostic role of lipoprotein (a) in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in young adults

In the study we assessed the levels of lipoprotein (a) in relation to clinical, laboratory, and instrumental parameters in young individuals with and without non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This observational case-control study included 100 participants divided into two groups: Group 1 (“cases”) – 50 young individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; and Group 2 (“controls”) – 50 young individuals without non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. It was found that young individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease had higher body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, total fat mass, visceral fat, and serum triglyceride levels, as well as lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, compared to the control group. In addition, significantly higher serum concentrations of lipoprotein (a) were observed in the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease group. Multivariate analysis showed that lipoprotein (a) levels, along with age, male sex, and visceral fat levels, were independently associated with the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in young individuals. In clinical practice, measuring lipoprotein (a) levels in high-risk groups may enhance early screening and risk stratification for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.