Contribution of Liver Fat to Weight Loss-Induced Changes in Serum Hepatokines: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Hepatokines have emerged as potential mediators of obesity-associated comorbidities, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, fractures, and central hypogonadism. Objective: To assess whether weight loss-induced changes in hepatokines are mediated by intrahepatic triglyceride (IHTG) content. Design: Cross-sectional study and randomized controlled trial. Setting: General community. Participants: Metabolically healthy, lean men (waist ,94 cm; n = 25) and men with abdominal obesity (waist 102 to 110 cm; n = 52). Intervention: Men with abdominal obesity were randomized to 8-week dietary weight loss or no weight loss. Main Outcome Measures: IHTG and serum hepatokines, that is, serum IGF1, IGF binding protein 1 (IGFBP1), SHBG, fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), fetuin A, and plasma fetuin B.