A distinct profile of Lyso-Phosphatidylcholines and amino acids characterizes NAFLD in lean subjects

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is typically associated with obesity, however, approximately 10% of lean subjects also have NAFLD. The aim of this study was to identify clinical and metabolic features of NAFLD in lean Caucasian subjects. Data from 247 patients allocated to one of 4 groups according to BMI and hepatic steatosis on ultrasound were obtained: lean healthy (BMI ≤25 kg/m2, N = 76), lean steatosis (BMI ≤25 kg/m2, N = 57), obese healthy (BMI ≥30 kg/m2, N = 52), obese steatosis (BMI ≥30 kg/m2, N = 62). A clinical and laboratory examination including oral glucose tolerance test (oGTT) was perform…