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. 2022 Aug 22;26(4):252–268. doi: 10.52547/ibj.3647

Update on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease-Associated Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms and Their Involvement in Liver Steatosis, Inflammation, and Fibrosis: A Narrative Review

Fajar Dwi Astarini 1, Neneng Ratnasari 2, Widya Wasityastuti 3,*
PMCID: PMC9432469  PMID: 36000237

Abstract

Genetic factors are involved in the development, progression, and severity of NAFLD. Polymorphisms in genes regulating liver functions may increase liver susceptibility to NAFLD. Therefore, we conducted this literature study to present recent findings on NAFLD-associated polymorphisms from published articles in PubMed from 2016 to 2021. From 69 selected research articles, 20 genes and 34 SNPs were reported to be associated with NAFLD. These mutated genes affect NAFLD by promoting liver steatosis (PNPLA3, MBOAT7, TM2SF6, PTPRD, FNDC5, IL-1B, PPARGC1A, UCP2, TCF7L2, SAMM50, IL-6, AGTR1, and NNMT), inflammation (PNPLA3, TNF-α, AGTR1, IL-17A, IL-1B, PTPRD, and GATAD2A), and fibrosis (IL-1B, PNPLA3, MBOAT7, TCF7L2, GATAD2A, IL-6, NNMT, UCP, AGTR1, and TM2SF6). The identification of these genetic factors helps to better understand the pathogenesis pathways of NAFLD

Key Words: Fibrosis, Inflammation, Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, Polymorphism

INTRODUCTION

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a term commonly used to cover an array of clinical manifestations in the liver that are not induced by secondary causes such as alcohol or drug consumption and defined genetic disorders. These manifestations involve steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis, which can lead to cirrhosis and even hepatocellular carcinoma[1-3]. Histologically, NAFLD is classified into NAFL and NASH. In NAFL, steatosis is seen in more than 5% of the parenchyma, while in NASH, necroinflammatory is present alongside steatosis. Obesity and insulin resistance drive the accumulation of TGs and FFAs in the liver, contributing to the growing epidemic of NAFLD[2]. The average global prevalence rate of NAFLD is 25.24%, with the highest rates reported in the Middle East and South American countries reaching up to 30%. In Asia, the incidence of NAFLD is 50.9 cases per 1,000 person-years. The global prevalence of NAFLD has increased from 15% in 2005 to 25% in 2010, and it keeps increasing steadily[4]. More noticeable growth in NAFLD prevalence has been observed in Asia and Pacific countries, which might be correlated with the increasing rate of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndromes in this region[4,5].

It has been established that genetic factors, along with environmental factors, are involved in the development, progression, and severity of NAFLD[6]. Certain genetic variants confer susceptibility to NAFLD. Several SNPs have been reported to be associated with specific phenotypes of NAFLD. Identifying the genetic factors in NAFLD will help to better understand the pathogenesis pathways of the disease. It also serves as a potential solution for future NAFLD genetic screening, the development of new genetic-based treatments, as well as the development of genetically modified animal models to facilitate studies in the field[6].

Similar reviews have previously been conducted on NAFLD-associated polymorphisms. Duvnjak et al.[7] reviewed the genetic polymorphisms in NAFLD published between 2002 and 2009 and discussed their involvement in NAFLD development and progression. Severson et al.[6] also reported the genetic factors affecting NAFLD from studies between 2012 and 2016, emphasizing certain genes and polymorphisms. A more recent article from Trépo and Valenti[8] has reviewed several selected gene polymorphisms and their implications for NAFLD pathobiology, drug discovery, and risk prediction. In this narrative review, we aimed to present recent findings on NAFLD-associated polymorphisms from published articles in PubMed from 2016 to 2021 and focused on discussing their roles in three main NAFLD spectrums: steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a search in PubMed to identify the relevant articles. The detailed selection process is shown in Figure 1. The search term used was “NAFLD polymorphism” with the following search filters: published in the last five years (2016-2021), only in humans, and only articles in English. The search yielded 338 published references, which were then sorted by authors for relevance. Review articles and editorials were excluded from this study. Relevant research articles without complete data were also excluded. In the end, 69 published references were selected for this study, and the summarized data are presented in Table 1.

Fig. 1.

Fig. 1

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Article selection process.

Table 1.

NAFLD-associated SNPs published between 2016 and 2021

Genes SNP ID Risk allele Associations with NAFLD
PNPLA3
rs738409 G Aggravate hepatosteatosis[9-17]
Development of NAFLD[14,18-34]
Elevated alanine aminotransferase levels[10,17,35-38]
Associated with NASH[22,39-43]
Associated with hepatic fat fractions[44]
Associated with hepatocyte ballooning[41]
Lobular and portal inflammation[41]
Increased liver graft fat content[45]
Elevated level of TGs[21,37]
Increased liver fibrosis[13,14,17,22,34,36,42,46-50]
Associated with cirrhosis[22]
Increased AST levels[13,34,37,38]
Higher body mass index[37]
Higher serum level of γ-glutamyltransferase, ALP, total cholesterol, LDL, and uric acid [37]
Higher serum level of CK18-M30[14]
Increased severity of liver histology[33,49]
Increased steatohepatitis, low level of high-density lipoprotein, and higher insulin resistance[17]
rs4823173 A Associated with increased AST levels[51]
rs2896019 G Associated with increased AST levels[51,52]
Associated with NAFLD[52,53]
Associated with increased ALT levels and decreased serum TGs and higher levels of LDL[52]
rs2281135 A Associated with AST levels[51]
Associated with hepatocyte ballooning and NASH[41]
Lobular and portal inflammation[41]
Associated with NAFLD[27,54]
Associated with advanced fibrosis[50]
rs3810622 T Associated with NAFLD, increased ALT levels, and higher level of blood glucose[52]
Elevated ALT levels[35]
rs12483959 A Associated with NAFLD[27]
rs143392071 G Increased NAFLD risk[55]
rs2143571 A Associated with advanced fibrosis[50]
MBOAT7
rs626283 C Associated with NAFLD and may affect glucose metabolism by modulating intrahepatic fat content[56]
rs641738 T Contributes to hepatic inflammation[57]
Increased fibrosis[13,57,58]
Higher ALT levels[58,59]
Associated with increased liver injury[13]
Associated with NAFLD risk[14,24]
Associated with severe hepatic steatosis[14,58]
TM6SF2
rs58542926 T Associated with or independent risk factors of hepatic steatosis[13,60,61]
Elevated ALT levels[13,61]
Independent predictors of NASH[60]
Increased levels of aminotransferases[36]
Associated with advanced fibrosis[32]
Associated with the risk of NAFLD[23,24,37,61,62]
Associated with liver injury, deleterious effects on liver health, modulate hepatic fat accumulation, and Increased serum AST[13]
IL-17A rs2275913 A Development of NAFLD in obese patients[63]
COL13A1 rs1227756 A Higher risk of elevated ALT levels[35]
SAMM50 rs3761472 G Associated with hepatocyte ballooning, lobular and portal inflammation, and NASH[41]
Significant associations with NAFLD[27]
rs2143571 A Significant associations with NAFLD[27]
rs2073080 T Significant associations with NAFLD[27]
IL-6 rs1800795 C Associated with the development of NASH[64]
Higher risk of steatosis with less parenchymal damage[65]
Increased risk of NAFLD, higher BMI, fat mass, % body fat, waist circumference, serum TGs, total cholesterol, ALP, AST, and fasting insulin levels[66]
rs10499563 C Associated with the presence of definitive NASH, increased ballooning, and Mallory bodies[65]
IL-1B rs1143634 T Associated with advanced fibrosis and increased Mallory bodies[65]
FNDC5 rs3480 G More severe steatosis[67]
AGTR1 rs5186 C Predictor of NAFLD incidence and severity[68]
PPARGC1A rs8192678 A Risk factor for the development of NAFLD[69]
CD82 rs2303861 G Involved in the development and progression of NAFLD[70]
UCP2 rs659366 A Higher risk of NAFLD[71]
T Determinant of fibrosis severity[15]
TNF-α rs1800629 A Higher risk of NASH development[72]
rs1799964 C Independent risk factors contributing to histological progression of NASH[73]
NNMT rs694539 A Risk factor for developing NAFLD and NASH, correlated with the steatosis degree[74]
HSD11B1 rs2235543
rs12565406
rs4844880 		C
G
T		 Increased risk of NAFLD development and higher liver fat content[75]
PTPRD rs35929428 A Associated with the development of NAFLD, play a role in hepatic lipid accumulation and fibrosis[76]
GATAD2A rs4808199 A Associated with NAFLD[53]
TCF7L-2 rs7903146 T Independently associated with NAFLD[77]
TLL1 rs17047200 T Higher risk of advanced fibrosis[46]
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BMI, body mass index; ALP, alkaline phosphatase; LDL, low-density lipoprotein

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

GWAS has contributed to the identification of potential SNPs in NAFLD. These studies provided insights into the pathogenesis and the long-term prognosis of NAFLD[78]. There were 20 genes and 34 SNPs reported to be associated with NAFLD in studies published in the last five years, which matched our search parameters as presented in Table 1. The majority of the literature we used in this review has investigated the association of NAFLD with three arguably major genetic factors of NAFLD: PNPLA3 rs738409, TM6SF2 rs58542926, and MBOAT7 rs641738. Each SNP has its roles in the development and progression of NAFLD, with the most reported association including the independent risk of NAFLD, aggravated steatosis, increased liver fibrosis, as well as elevated ALT and AST levels. Even though the association of the SNPs and NAFLD has been established in those genetic studies presented in Table 1, the involvement of each polymorphism in NAFLD is often unclear. In this review, we discuss the possible involvement of the genes and/or the variants in three NAFLD spectrums (steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis) based on the published studies. We also drafted the possible relationships of the discussed genes in those NAFLD spectrums as shown in Figures 2 and 3.

PNPLA3

The Human PNPLA3 gene is located on chromosome 22, encoding a protein called adiponutrin. The gene acts as a lipid droplet regulator in hepatocytes, HSCs, and adipocytes. Since 1998, the rs738409 C>G variant has been identified to be associated with NAFLD[79,80]. The variant was reported to be involved in hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. It is unclear how the variant affects liver TG content, but it has been demonstrated that the variant is associated with the loss of TG hydrolase activities, eventually increasing intrahepatic TG accumulation[81]. Accordingly, the variant was linked to higher levels of circulating TGs, corroborating the impaired TG hydrolysis by lipoprotein lipase[21]. The hepatic fat content in individuals carrying the variant has also shown an increase in n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, indicating a pro-inflammatory condition that promotes de novo lipogenesis in the liver[81]. rs738409 was the only variant of PNPLA3 associated with hepatic steatosis in this review. The rs738409 SNP, as well as rs2281135 and rs2143571, are also involved in hepatic fibrosis. PNPLA3 has been reported to activate HSCs and promote migration, proliferation, and the pro-fibrogenic activities of HSCs[82]. Patients with NAFLD carrying the G allele of the rs738409 variant have displayed elevated serum ferritin levels, as well. Iron can cause oxidative stress by interacting with oxygen radicals. Oxidative stress is implicated in mediating the progression of fibrosis. Iron can also induce fibrosis by activating Kupffer cells to release pro-fibrogenic mediators[83]. Chatterjee et al.[41] have reported the association of PNPLA3 variants, rs738409 and rs2281135, with portal and lobular inflammation. The variants are correlated with the release of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrogenic cytokines such as chemokine ligand 5, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, IL-8, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and TNF-α[81]. Individuals harbouring the rs738409 variant had greater inflammatory infiltration than individuals with wild- type genotypes[84]. Accordingly, the culture medium of cells expressing the genetic variants was also shown to recruit more immune cells than the wild-type carriers[81]. To summarize, the polymorphisms in PNPLA3 gene affect NAFLD development and progression by promoting steatosis (rs738409), inflammation (rs738409 and rs2281135), and fibrosis (rs738409, rs2281135, and rs2143571). However, there was limited information on the involvement of the other PNPLA3 variants (rs4823173, rs2896019, rs3810622, rs12483959, and rs143392071) reported in this review on those three NAFLD spectrums.

Fig. 2.

Fig. 2

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NAFLD-associated SNPs involved in liver steatosis. Polymorphisms in NAFLD-related genes cause TG accumulation in the liver through impaired TG hydrolase activities, increased lipogenesis, increased TG synthesis, reduced secretion of TG-rich VLDL, increased lipid droplet formation, STAT3 inactivation, increased liver supply of FFAs, decreased fatty acid oxidation, and decreased irisin secretion. Each gene and its polymorphisms have specific pathways in causing TG accumulation. For instance, polymorphisms in the PNPLA3 gene can impair the TG hydrolase activities, as well as cause an increase in n-6 PUFA level, which stimulate lipogenesis in the liver, resulting in steatosis. Mutations in TCF7L2, SAMM50, IL-6, and AGTR1 promote lipolysis in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle, leading to increased supply of FFAs to the liver, increased de novo lipogenesis, and eventually increased TG accumulation. Changes in MBOAT7 and IL-1B genes cause increased TG synthesis and lipid droplet formation. Meanwhile, the UCP2 gene seems to possess protective effects against steatosis by inducing fatty acid oxidation, lowering the supply of FFAs to the liver. (→: promote; ─|: inhibit; : mutated genes; ↓: decreased; ↑: increased)

Fig. 3.

Fig. 3

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NAFLD-associated SNPs involved in liver inflammation and fibrosis. Inflammation is a contributing factor in fibrogenesis. Changes in genes involved in both processes can affect the development and progression of NAFLD. Mutations in PTPRD, PNPLA3, TNF-α, AGTR1, IL-17A, IL-1B, and GATAD2A indirectly cause fibrosis by inducing inflammatory responses through increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, increased immune cell proliferation, and leukocyte recruitment. Other polymorphisms are involved in fibrogenesis by either activating HSCs and Kupffer cells or inducing oxidative stress in liver tissue. Activated HSCs can transform into myofibroblasts that will then produce excess collagen, resulting in tissue scarring. (→: promote; ─|: inhibit;  : mutated genes; ↓: decreased; ↑: increased)

MBOAT7

MBOAT7 protein, so-called lysophosphatidylinositol acyltransferase 1, is involved in acyl remodelling of phosphatidylinositols in the Lands cycle[58]. The carriers of rs641738 T allele have indicated lower hepatic MBOAT7 mRNA and protein expression[57]. Lower MBOAT7 expression is correlated with severe hepatic inflammation, advanced fibrosis, and higher ALT levels[57-59]. However, MBOAT7 involvement in hepatic inflammation is still unclear. It has previously demonstrated that the strong expression of MBOAT7 is found in immune cell subsets such as neutrophils, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, lymphocytes (B and T), monocytes, macrophages, natural killer cells, and dendritic cells[85]. The protein is also involved in eicosanoid production by neutrophils and myeloid cells, as well as the stimulation of T lymphocyte proliferation[57]. These findings suggest that MBOAT7 plays a role in inflammatory activities. Also, MBOAT7-mediated inflammation is thought to be associated with the progression to fibrosis, possibly independent of lipid accumulation and insulin resistance as the rs641738 variant was not associated with steatosis in chronic hepatitis B and C patients, as well as in obese Taiwanese children[10,57,85]. However, other studies have reported that the variant is also associated with steatosis[14,58]. In cultured human hepatocytes, reduced MBOAT7 expression caused by the rs641738 variant resulted in higher phosphatidylinositols turnover. This condition leads to the constant production of diacylglycerol, resulting in increased synthesis of hepatocyte TG[86]. TGs are known to be the main form of lipid stored in hepatic steatosis. In diet-induced steatotic mice, inhibition of TG synthesis through diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2-knockout could lower hepatic TGs by ~70%, with no significant changes in liver inflammation, fibrosis, and insulin-glucose metabolism[87]. This finding supports the hypothesis that inflammation and fibrosis caused by the rs641738 variant are independent of lipid accumulation. Another variant of the MBOAT7 gene, rs626283, has been exhibited to be related to liver fat content and impaired insulin sensitivity in obese Caucasian youth but not in African American and Hispanic populations[56]. Buch et al.[88] have denoted that rs626283 had the strongest association with severe liver damage at the MBOAT7 locus in European descent individuals with alcohol-related cirrhosis. The variant was also in high linkage disequilibrium with the rs641738 variant, the functional variant affecting MBOAT7 expression[88]. However, the involvement of the rs626283 variant in NAFLD remains unclear. Taken together, both MBOAT7 variants contribute to NAFLD through inflammation-mediated fibrosis and steatosis.

TM6SF2

The TM6SF2 rs58542926 SNP was identified to be associated with NAFLD, hepatic steatosis, elevated ALT and AST levels, and advanced fibrosis. A meta-analysis by Liu et al.[89] has also pointed out that the rs58542926 variant is associated with fibrosis and steatosis in individuals with chronic hepatitis C. Interestingly, the variant was not linked to inflammation. rs58542926 is known to decrease TM6SF2 expression. The variant causes reduced secretion of TG-rich VLDL, leading to lower serum TG levels and increased intrahepatic TG accumulation[6,89]. It is unclear whether the fibrosis is driven by lipid accumulation or not. An in vitro study has demonstrated that the rs58542926 SNP might increase the sensitivity of HSC activation. In the liver, HSCs are activated by TGF-β1, which is secreted by HSCs or Kupffer cells. TGF-β1 stimulates HSC transformation into myofibroblasts. TM6SF2-knockdown LX2 cells have shown increased mRNA expression of αsmooth muscle actin following TGF-β1 treatment, indicating that the variant promotes fibrosis[90]. The role of TM6SF2 in fibrosis still requires further investigations. Altogether, TM6SF2 rs58542926 SNP is involved in NAFLD pathogenesis by promoting steatosis and fibrosis.

PPARGC1A

The A allele of rs8192678 SNP in PPARGC1A gene is a risk factor for NAFLD development in adult Iranian and Chinese Han populations[69,91]. However, the SNP was not associated with the biochemical and physiological parameters investigated in the study, including body mass index, fasting blood sugar, creatine, TGs, plasma lipid levels, HbA1c, and microalbumin levels. PPARGC1A is a transcriptional factor involved in lipid and energy metabolism[69]. The gene encodes peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor PGC-1α, which is highly expressed in the liver. PGC-1α promotes fatty acid oxidation in fasting condition[91]. Liang and Ward[92] have reported that the downregulation of this gene increased lipogenesis and steatosis in the liver. Accordingly, the rs8192678 A allele was found to significantly lower the expression of PPARGC1A, resulting in reduced PGC-1α activities and altered PGC-1α interactions in regulating oxidative stress and lipid metabolism which will eventually lead to NAFLD development[69,91]. Overall, the rs8192678 A allele contributes to NAFLD development through steatosis induction.

IL-17A

IL-17, especially IL-17A, is involved in NAFLD pathogenesis[93]. IL-17 induces the production of IL-6, which is important for Th17 cell differentiation. The rs2275913 (A) allele polymorphism is associated with elevated IL-17A levels[94]. Overexpression of IL-17A resulted in NAFLD progression and worsened liver injury in obese mice[92]. The IL-17A/IL-17RA axis is important in the progression of NAFL to NASH in high fat and methionine choline-deficient diets. Massive infiltration of IL-17+ cells was also found in NASH liver[95]. In conclusion, IL-17A SNP contributes to NAFLD development through its role in inflammation.

IL-6

Upregulation of serum and hepatic IL-6 was observed in patients with NAFLD and animal models. In the liver, IL-6 is produced by hepatocytes and Kupffer cells, and its expression in hepatocytes is correlated with the disease severity. IL-6 has protective roles in the liver due to its antiapoptotic action and its involvement in improving hepatic regeneration and repair. However, prolonged overexpression of IL-6 might increase liver susceptibility to injury and apoptosis. IL-6 is recently known to be a mediator of fibrogenesis in HSCs. IL-6 also promotes the release of FFAs from the adipose tissue, increasing the supply of FFAs to the liver[96]. Both rs1800795 (C) and rs10499563 (C) alleles are polymorphisms in the promoter region of the IL-6 gene. The former polymorphism is frequently associated with lower IL-6 expression even though there were reports of its association with higher serum IL-6 levels[66,97,98]. Further studies are required to confirm the effects of these polymorphisms on IL-6 levels. Mutations in the IL-6 gene weaken its hepatoprotective effect, making the liver more susceptible to NAFLD through inflammation, steatosis, and fibrosis.

IL-1B

IL-1B is involved in NAFLD development through the IL-1 receptor signaling pathway. The rs1143634 polymorphism in IL-1B gene is suggested to be associated with higher IL-1B expression. The presence of IL-1B induces lipid droplet formation in hepatocytes. IL-1B also promotes the recruitment of neutrophils in the liver by upregulating the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 in endothelial cells. IL-1B, IL-6, and TNF-α cause chronic inflammation in the liver by activating local immune cells and attracting other immune cells to the liver. IL-1B also contributes to the progression from liver inflammation to liver fibrosis[99]. IL-1B involvement in steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis contributes to NAFLD development and progression.

TNF-α

TNF-α is involved in the development and progression of NAFLD by inducing the production of lipid metabolism enzymes, proinflammatory cytokines, and fibrosis-associated proteins[100]. It activates proinflammatory pathways such as c-Jun N-terminal kinase and nuclear factor-κB and indirectly blocks the anti-inflammatory effect of insulin by contributing to the development of insulin resistance[101,102]. Studies have reported the overexpression of circulating TNF-α among patients with NAFLD. Both rs1800629 A allele and rs1799964 C allele are associated with higher TNF-α expression. The increased circulating TNF-α is correlated with NAFLD severity[103]. As a result, the SNPs in the TNF-α gene facilitate the progression to NASH through its role in inflammation, steatosis, and fibrosis.

FNDC5

Metwally et al.[67] have reported an association between the FNDC5 rs3480 variant and advanced steatosis. The variant affects hepatic FNDC5 expression and provides a binding site for miR-135a-5P that regulates several pathways involved in liver disease. FNDC5 is known to secrete irisin, which can ameliorate steatosis. A study by Canivet et al.[104] have shown that FNDC5 could prevent fat accumulation in hepatocytes in vitro. The genetic variant was found to downregulate FNDC5 expression[67]. Therefore, the lower expression of FNDC5 due to the polymorphism can lead to more severe steatosis. This observation suggests that without the polymorphism, liver tissue would express higher FNDC5 for its protective properties[104]. In summary, the FNDC5 variant is involved in NAFLD by causing advanced steatosis.

COL13A1

Larrieta-Carrasco et al.[35] have reported that the carriers of rs1227756 variant in COL13A1 gene expressed elevated ALT and AST levels, even though only the elevated AST level was significantly associated with rs1227756. However, the mechanism underlying the condition is still unclear. The variant was also reported to be associated with lobular inflammation in patients with NAFLD and T2DM[105]. Increased aminotransferase levels often indicate the presence of inflammation[106]. It is possible that changes in COL13A1 gene may influence the levels of liver enzymes through inflammatory response and/or T2DM-related pathways. Further studies are required to elucidate the involvement of COL13A1 in elevating the transaminase levels. To summarize, COL13A1 polymorphism may contribute to NAFLD through inflammation.

CD82

A variant of CD82 was found to be associated with the development and progression of NAFLD. The mechanism by which the rs2303861 polymorphism influences NAFLD pathophysiology is still unclear due to the limited availability of studies on the topic. It is theorized that the polymorphism in CD82 gene promotes hepatic steatosis based on the evidence that CD82-knockout mice exhibit increased adipogenic potential. The rs2303861 SNP is also in linkage disequilibrium with rs7942159 of the PNPLA2 gene, which is involved in fat mobilization in adipose tissue[70]. Further studies are needed to investigate the effects of CD82 on NAFLD. However, it is thought that the CD82 variant plays a role in the development and progression of NAFLD through steatosis.

AGTR1

The AGTR1 rs5186 C allele can predict the risk and severity of NAFLD in Caucasian and Iranian populations[68,107]. The polymorphism promotes fat-induced proinflammatory response and enhances NF-κB activation in mononuclear cells. Activated NF-κB induces the release of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrogenic adipokines and chemokines, resulting in inflammation, adipose tissue dysfunction, and hepatic injury in NASH. The C allele of the polymorphism causes insulin resistance in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue, increasing the supply of FFAs to the liver and the release of mainly pro-inflammatory adipokines and chemokines[68,108]. The C allele is also responsible for VLDL accumulation, which is rich in TGs and cholesterol[68]. Collectively, the AGTR1 rs5186 C allele can be a predictor of NAFLD incidence and severity due to its involvement in inflammation, steatosis, and fibrosis in NAFLD.

UCP2

The rs659366 G>A and C>T of the UCP2 gene are correlated with NAFLD susceptibility and fibrosis severity, respectively[15,71]. The carriers of rs659366 A allele are at higher risk of developing NAFLD in Iranian population with NAFLD[71]. The AA genotype shows the high expression of UCP2 and oxidative stress markers, as well as reduced insulin production[109]. However, the involvement of UCP2 in the development and progression of NAFLD is still unclear. Theoretically, UCP2 may have protective activities against NAFLD. High plasma fatty acid supply in the liver induces higher expression of UCP2. UCP2 will then promote fatty acid oxidation through several mechanisms: (1) increasing beta-oxidation of fatty acid in the mitochondria, (2) translocating non-esterified fatty acids to prevent accumulation in the mitochondrial matrix, (3) releasing FFAs from the mitochondrial matrix and allowing re-entry as acyl-CoA required for beta-oxidation, and (4) activating AMP-activated protein kinase, promoting the use of fatty acids in energy metabolism. Nevertheless, it has not been proven that UCP2 can prevent steatosis. Controversy also arises over the involvement of UCP2 in oxidative stress. UCP2 is thought to be able to prevent ROS formation, but there is not enough evidence to support this claim. Increased UCP2 expression is still unable to reduce oxidative stress and ROS formation in NAFLD animal models[110]. Ultimately, polymorphisms in the UCP2 gene may disrupt its protective roles in the liver and contribute to NAFLD development through steatosis and fibrosis.

TCF7L-2

The rs7903146 T allele in the TCF7L-2 gene was found to be strongly associated with NAFLD in Asian Indian population[77]. The T allele of this polymorphism is correlated with the increased expression of TCF7L-2[111]. TCF7L-2 modulates the activation of HSCs and fibrogenesis in the liver through β-catenin/TCF pathway. TCF7L-2 is also expressed in adipose tissue. TCF7L-2 activation in adipose tissue leads to inflammation, lipolysis, and lower adiponectin production[112]. Increased lipolysis following TCF7L-2 activation results in higher serum FFAs. Reduced adiponectin production will disrupt glucose and fatty acid metabolism. In line with these findings, the rs7903146 polymorphism was reported to be associated with a high level of serum FFAs[113]. TCF7L-2 also regulates glucose homeostasis, the rs7903146 variant impaired insulin secretion, making the carriers of the polymorphism at risk of developing T2DM[77]. This condition causes insulin resistance that contributes to the development of NAFLD by increasing de novo lipogenesis in the liver and promoting lipolysis in other tissues, leading to a higher FFA supply to the liver[114]. In short, the rs7903146 variant is involved in the development and progression of NAFLD through steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis.

SAMM50

The rs738491 T allele, rs2143571 A allele, and rs3761472 G allele of SAMM50 gene are associated with NAFLD in Korean population[27]. The association of SAMM50 polymorphisms and NAFLD has also been reported in Japanese, Asian Indian (only rs3761472 SNP), and Chinese Han populations[41,115,116]. The rs3761472 variant was reported to be associated with hepatocyte ballooning, lobular and portal inflammation, and NASH[41]. The gene itself, SAMM50, plays a role in the progression of NAFL to NASH. SAMM50 encodes Sam50, which is important in maintaining the structure of mitochondrial cristae and the assembly of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes[116]. Downregulation of Sam50 in the liver can cause mitochondrial dysfunction, which is known to contribute to the development of insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis in obese rat model[117]. Liver biopsy from patients with NASH has also shown mitochondrial abnormalities[118]. The three SAMM50 variants may cause the lower production of Sam50, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction-mediated steatosis. To sum up, those variants may be responsible for NAFLD development and progression through inflammation (rs3761472 only), steatosis, and insulin resistance.

TLL1

The rs17047200 T allele is associated with a higher risk of developing advanced fibrosis in Japanese patients with NAFLD[46]. The SNP leads to the elevated expression of TLL1, which has been found to activate HSCs in animal models and humans, indicating its involvement in fibrogenesis[119]. Activated HSCs have a myofibroblast-like phenotype, contributing to fibrogenesis through cell proliferation and upregulation of matrix production[120]. However, a contradicting study by Bayoumi et al.[121] has reported that rs17047200 is not associated with fibrosis in Caucasian patients with biopsy-proven metabolic-associated fatty liver disease. That study has also demonstrated that the overexpression of TLL1 in HSCs is detected in patients with metabolic steatohepatitis, in a murine fibrosis model fed with methionine choline-deficient diet and in an in vitro human fibrosis model. Further studies are needed to elucidate the roles of TLL1 in both steatohepatitis and fibrosis, as well as to confirm the effects of rs17047200 SNP on NAFLD. However, it is theorized that the SNP affects NAFLD through its involvement in steatosis and fibrosis.

NNMT

The AA genotype of NNMT rs694539 variant is related to the increased risk of NASH in obese Egyptians. The SNP is associated with steatosis but it is not considered a fibrosis marker[74]. Komatsu et al.[122] have reported that the overexpression of NNMT depleted nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and S-adenosylmethionine, inducing the genes involved in steatosis and fibrosis in the liver of transgenic mice overexpressing NNMT. NAD has protective effects on ROS and also facilitates hydrogen transfer in reductive or oxidative metabolic reactions. NAD depletion reduces fatty acid oxidation, leading to the accumulation of TGs in hepatocytes. Therefore, inhibiting NNMT activities may prevent progression to NASH. Briefly, changes in the NNMT gene may contribute to NAFLD through steatosis and ROS-mediated fibrosis.

HSD11B1

The rs2235543, rs12565406, and rs4844880 polymorphisms in HSD11B1 gene are associated with the liver fat content. Accordingly, the HSD11B1 mRNA expression positively correlates with the liver fat content, suggesting the involvement of 11β-HSD1 in hepatic fat accumulation. The homozygous major allele carriers of the three SNPs also have shown elevated expression of HSD11B1 gene, and they are also twice at risk of developing NAFLD[75]. Overexpression of 11β-HSD1 in a high-fat diet leads to steatosis, while its deficiency is protective against steatosis. Lower expression of 11β-HSD1 is observed in the early stages of NAFLD, but increased 11β-HSD1 levels are required for the progression to NASH. Inhibition of 11β-HSD1 caused reduced lipid content, making it a potential therapeutic target for steatosis[123]. To summarize, the HSD11B1 variants contribute to NAFLD through steatosis.

PTPRD

Polymorphism in PTPRD gene may be related to hepatic lipid accumulation and fibrosis progression in Japanese patients with NAFLD. More advanced steatosis and fibrosis have been observed in the GA genotype of the rs35929428 variant. PTPRD mainly dephosphorylates STAT3. Based on this evidence, Nakajima et al.[76] observed an association between rs35929428 SNP and STAT3 dephosphorylation and found that the SNP enhanced STAT3 dephosphorylation and strongly suppressed its phosphorylation in hepatocytes. However, dephosphorylation is known to negatively regulate STAT3 activation[124]. STAT3 inactivation leads to TG accumulation and worsens steatosis and hepatocellular damage. STAT3 inactivation also inhibits fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition in cultured fibroblasts, preventing the development of fibrosis[125], which is in contrast to the results of Nakajima et al.’s[76] study. The rs35929428 polymorphism may exacerbate fibrosis through other signalling pathways. In conclusion, the PTPRD variant has a role in the development and progression of NAFLD through steatosis and fibrosis.

GATAD2A

GATAD2A has been reported to be associated with the increased risk of NAFLD in Japanese patients with NAFLD. However, the function of this gene in NAFLD development is still vague[53,126]. GATAD2A gene is located at 19p12, along with TM6SF2 and NCAN, which are known to be associated with NAFLD[126]. GATAD2A enables zinc ion binding. In NASH, the serum zinc level is lower than in normal condition[53]. Zinc deficiency is a common pathogenesis pathway of NAFLD. Low zinc level correlates with more severe fibrosis and lobular nflammation[126]. The rs4808199 polymorphism might cause the overexpression of GATAD2A, resulting in higher zinc ion binding and lower zinc serum level. Taken together, the variant might be involved in NAFLD pathogenesis through zinc-related inflammation and fibrosis.

Conflicting findings on NAFLD-associated polymorphisms and study limitations

While the presented NAFLD-associated SNPs harbor potential benefits as therapeutic targets, conflicting results arise from several studies. For instance, no association was observed between NAFLD and the rs58542926 variant of TM6SF2 gene in Brazilian patients with NAFLD[127]. MBOAT7 rs641738 variant also did not show any correlation with steatosis in chronic hepatitis B and C patients, as well as in obese Taiwanese children[10,57,85]. These results might be due to the limitations of GWAS. In conventional GWAS, the association is only significant when it reaches the p < 5 × 10-8 threshold. Owing to this high level of significance, the association might be undetected in studies with small sample sizes. The use of larger sample size is preferable even though it is not always possible to assemble a large sample size. Besides, GWAS cannot identify the causal variants and genes[128]. Therefore, further investigation of the SNPs and genes of interest in vitro and in vivo is important to fully understand their involvement in the development and progression of the disease.

NAFLD is a complex disease. Many factors are involved in its development and progression. This review only presented the association of single genetic variants with NAFLD. NAFLD is known to be multigenic, involving the synergistic and antagonistic actions of several genes, along with environmental factors. Providing the information on combined NAFLD-associated SNPs would be a point of interest for future studies. We also could only infer the possible involvement of the SNPs and genes with their associated features in NAFLD from published literature, further studies are required to investigate the nature of their association.

CONCLUSION

Genetic factors are involved in the development and progression of NAFLD. Identifying genetic factors in NAFLD help to better understand the pathogenesis pathways of the disease. The SNPs presented in this review affect NAFLD through their involvement in three NAFLD spectrums (steatosis, fibrosis, and inflammation). Mutations in PNPLA3, MBOAT7, TM2SF6, PTPRD, FNDC5, IL-1B, PPARGC1A, UCP2, and NNMT directly induce steatosis in the liver, while polymorphisms in TCF7L2, SAMM50, IL-6, and AGTR1 genes indirectly promote liver steatosis by increasing lipolysis in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle, resulting in a higher supply of FFAs to the liver. SNPs in PNPLA3, TNF-α, AGTR1, IL-17A, IL-1B, PTPRD, and GATAD2A cause liver inflammation. Inflammation, along with mutations in IL-1B, PNPLA3, MBOAT7, TCF7L2, GATAD2A, IL-6, NNMT, UCP, AGTR1, and TM2SF6 also contributes to liver fibrosis. On the contrary, polymorphism in the PTPRD gene can inhibit fibrosis by preventing the transformation of HSCs to myofibroblasts. Even though these NAFLD-associated SNPs show potential benefits as therapeutic targets, conflicting findings from similar studies arise due to the limitations of GWAS. Therefore, further investigation of those genes and SNPs in vitro and in vivo is important to fully understand their involvement in the development and progression of NAFLD.

DECLARATIONS

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the Ministry of Research and Technology, the Republic of Indonesia for the financial support by providing the Penelitian Dasar Unggulan Perguruan Tinggi (PDUPT) grant (reference number: 1674/UN1/DITLIT/DIT-LIT/PT/2021 and 1642/UN1/DITLIT/DIT-LIT/PT.01.03/2022).

Ethical statement

Not applicable.

Data availability

All data presented in the manuscript can be accessed on PubMed.

Author contributions

FDA, NR, and WW contributed equally to the study conception, design, material preparation, data collection, data analysis, manuscript drafting, and manuscript writing. All authors have read and approved the final manuscript.

Conflict of interest

None declared.

Funding/support

This study has been supported by Penelitian Dasar Unggulan Perguruan Tinggi (PDUPT) grant (reference number: 1674/UN1/DITLIT/DIT-LIT/PT/2021 and 1642/UN1/DITLIT/DIT-LIT/PT.01.03/2022) from the Ministry of Research and Technology, Republic of Indonesia.

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Data Availability Statement

All data presented in the manuscript can be accessed on PubMed.

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