Table 2.
Summarized biomarker expression and function in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. This table summarizes the expression of each biomarker and their expression in either hepatocytes or adipocytes during the adipogenic processes and alteration of hepatocyte in NAFLD. The cellular function of each biomarker is summarized and is correlated with their regulation in the cell in the diseased state.
| Biomarkers | Hepatocytes/Adipocytes | Regulation | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| PPARϒ | Adipocyte | ↑↑ | Adipocyte Differentiation and Lipid Storage |
| aP2 | Adipocyte | ↑↑ | Involvement in terminal adipocyte differentiation |
| AFP | Hepatocyte | ↑↑ | Plays a role in the liver regeneration associated with hepatic steatosis |
| Albumin | Hepatocyte | ↓↓ | Contributes in the inhibition of adipogenesis |
| E-Cadherin | Hepatocyte | ↓↓ | A calcium dependent cell adhesion molecule in the formation and maintenance of hepatocyte. Protects hepatocyte from cell death |
| SREBP-1c | Hepatocyte | ↑↑ | Mediates the activation of lipogenesis: Increases the de novo synthesis of fatty acids |
| Adiponectin | Adipocyte | ↓↓ | Regulates glucose and fatty acid metabolism. Secreted from adipose tissue and plays important role as anti-lipogenic and anti-inflammatory marker. |
| C/EBPα | Adipocyte | ↑↑ | Induces adipogenesis by the mediating the upregulation of PPARϒ |
| PPARα | Hepatocyte | ↑↑ | Central mediator for signaling molecules to maintain lipid homeostasis and regulate genes in cell growth and differentiation. |
Abbreviations: aP2 - adipocyte protein 2; PPARγ - peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma; SREBP-1c - sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c; PPARα - peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha; FAS - fatty acid synthase; AFP - alpha fetoprotein; C/EBPα - CCAAT enhancer-binding protein alpha.