Study on the changes of serum TIMP3 and systemic immune inflammation index in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients and their relationship with carotid artery atherosclerosis

Abstract

Abstract: Objective To investigate the serum levels of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3 (TIMP3) and systemic immune inflammation index (SII) in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and to assess their relationship with carotid artery atherosclerosis (CAS). Methods A total of 149 NAFLD patients treated in our hospital from October 2021 to September 2023 were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent abdominal ultrasound examination and serum TIMP3 and SII testing. Based on carotid ultrasound results, the patients were divided into a CAS group and a non-CAS group. Statistical methods were used to compare the differences in TIMP3 and SII levels between the two groups, and a multivariate analysis of factors influencing CAS occurrence in NAFLD patients was performed. The predictive value of TIMP3 and SII levels for the development of CAS in NAFLD patients was also analyzed. Results In the CAS group, BNP, TC, TG, and LDL-C levels were(186.49±19.39) pg/mL,(5.32±0.73)mmol/L, (2.43±0.62)mmol/L, and (3.18±0.77) mmol/L, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05). The HDL-C level in the CAS group was (1.03±0.35)mmol/L, significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). The TIMP3 level in the CAS group was (159.62±22.63)pg/mL, significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05); the SII in the CAS group was 1 035.26±182.15, significantly higher than the control group (P<0.05). After incorporating these differential indicators as independent variables in the logistic multivariate regression analysis, BNP, TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C, TIMP3, and SII were identified as factors influencing the occurrence of CAS in NAFLD patients (P<0.05). Conclusion In NAFLD patients who develop CAS, serum TIMP3 levels are reduced while SII levels are elevated. TIMP3 and SII may serve as potential biomarkers for carotid artery atherosclerosis in NAFLD patients, providing new directions for early diagnosis and intervention.

Key words: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, Serum tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3, Systemic immune inflammation index, Carotid artery atherosclerosis

WANG Zhen-zhe, XUE Lin, ZHANG Xi. Study on the changes of serum TIMP3 and systemic immune inflammation index in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients and their relationship with carotid artery atherosclerosis[J]. Chinese Hepatolgy, 2026, 31(3): 433-437.

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