Fetuin-A

Abstract

Introduction Helicobacter pylori infection has been associated with many extragastrointestinal diseases such as cardiovascular and neurological diseases. Recently, several studies have reported a relationship between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and H. pylori infection. Indeed, H. pylori infection is involved in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance (IR), which is closely linked with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Furthermore, fetuin-A has been linked with impaired insulin sensitivity. Aim Therefore, we aimed to evaluate fetuin-A as a possible link between H. pylori infection and IR. Patients and methods A total of 160 patients included in our study were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of H. pylori infection. We determined serum fetuin-A, serum insulin, homeostasis model assessment-IR, and liver and kidney functions. Upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy and antral biopsy was taken for H. pylori examination. Results We found that fetuin-A was significantly elevated in H. pylori-positive group when compared with H. pylori-negative group, and a significant positive correlation of fetuin-A was observed with fasting insulin levels and homeostasis model assessment-IR. Conclusion We conclude that fetuin-A was implicated as a possible link between H. pylori infection and the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis through its effect on IR.