Evaluating-238 G > A Polymorphism Association in TNF-alpha Gene with Metabolic Parameters and Nutritional Intakes Among the Iranian NAFLD Patients

Abstract

Different studies have shown that -238 G > A polymorphism in promoter region of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) gene is associated with increased risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The current study investigates the association between metabolic parameters and nutritional intakes with -238 G > A of TNF-alpha promoter gene polymorphism among the Iranian patients with NAFLD. In this study, 75 patients with NAFLD and 76 individuals as control were enrolled. Dietary intakes were assessed using a semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire. Body mass index and waist to hip ratio were calculated. Biochemical assays were measured after 12 h fasting. -238 G > A Polymorphism of TNF-alpha gene was determined by using sequencing method. We observed no significant difference in frequency of different genotypes of this polymorphism between NAFLD and control groups (P > 0.05). Among biochemical parameters, TAC showed significant decrease in NAFLD patients with GG genotype when compared to controls (P = 0.001). The comparison of macro and micronutrient intakes between groups according to genotypes showed no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05). Although the data were not statistically significant, further studies with larger sample size are needed to determine the effect of dietary compounds in NAFLD.