Augmented duodenal levels of sodium/glucose co-transporter 1 are associated with higher risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and noninvasive index of liver fibrosis

Aims: Subjects with elevated 1 h post-load glucose concentrations (1hPG) exhibit increased risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and duodenal sodium/glucose co-transporter 1 (SGLT-1) levels. Herein, we evaluate whether higher SGLT-1 duodenal levels are associated with NAFLD and increased risk of advance liver fibrosis.

Methods: SGLT-1 levels were assessed on duodenal mucosa in 52 individuals subdivided into two groups according to ultrasonography-defined presence of NAFLD. Intracellular triglycerides levels and activation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress were evaluated in human hepatocytes exposed to high-glucose concentration (HG).

Results: Individuals with NAFLD exhibited higher duodenal SGLT-1 abundance along with raised 1hPG, as compared to those without NAFLD. The mediation analysis showed that augmented duodenal SGLT-1 levels were a predictor of NAFLD, and the link between increased duodenal SGLT-1 content and NAFLD risk was mediated by augmented 1hPG. Amongst participants with NAFLD, those with intermediate/high probability of advance liver fibrosis, estimated by NAFLD fibrosis score, exhibited higher duodenal SGLT-1 abundance and 1hPG levels as compared to the low probability group. Hepatocytes exposed to HG showed increased triglycerides accumulation and an up-regulation of ER stress pathway.

Conclusions: Increased duodenal SGLT-1 abundance and the related early post-prandial hyperglycemia are associated with NAFLD and advance liver fibrosis.