NASH patients are characterized by increased frequency of Th17 cells not only in hepatic tissue, but also in intra-abdominal visceral fat

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has a rising prevalence in Europe. Progression from non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is characterized by multiple metabolic and inflammatory hits. Recently we described higher frequency of Th17 cells and Th17/resting regulatory T cell (rTreg) ratio in hepatic tissue and PBMC of NASH patients. In the current study we analysed the phenotype of CD4+ T cells in visceral fat. Aims: Characterization of CD4+ Tregs and conventional CD4+ T cells simultaneously in PBMC, hepatic tissue and visceral fat in patients with NAFL and NA…