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Researchers find potential genetic cause of pediatric fatty liver disease

Category: Liver Diseases

Liver panel tests indicating the presence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease are becoming increasingly common, particularly among young people as the obesity crisis worsens. Now, new research indicates that part of this may have to do with the presence of genetic variations.

A team of researchers from Yale University analyzed genetic samples taken from 455 obese youths. The results showed that participants who had fatty liver disease were much more likely to have a specific variant of gene that is known to moderate the production of fats.

The researchers said that since their study was only conducted in children, it would be difficult to generalize their findings to adult populations. However, the results do suggest that more research should be done to determine if this genetic variation is present in the majority of people who develop fatty liver disease.

Understanding the genetic mechanisms behind the condition could enable researchers to develop new tests that could spot individuals who are at risk. It may even lead to the creation of new treatments for fatty liver disease.