The common gene variant of the lysophosphatidic acyltransferase PNPLA3 is associated with subclinical liver injury in young children

Aims: The common adiponutrin (PNPLA3) variant p.I148 M is a risk factor for severe forms of fatty liver disease (NAFLD).1 Recently we have demonstrated that it associated with increased liver stiffness in patients with chronic liver diseases in general.2 Here we analyse the effects of the adiponutrin polymorphism on liver status in a unique cohort of paediatric patients without clinically apparent chronic liver disease. Methods: In total, we recruited 142 children (100 Caucasians, 42 Asians, age range 5 – 9 years, 64 boys, mean standard deviation score (SDS)-BMI = 1.45). NAFLD was assessed by abdominal ultrasoun…