Higher plasma dicarbonyl levels are associated with liver fibrosis in obese individuals
Authors' conclusion
This study shows the potential role of dicarbonyl stress, particularly MGO, in liver fibrosis among obese individuals, highlighting its significance as an independent contributor to liver damage and a potential therapeutic target.
Study context
- Population
- Severely obese individuals due to undergo bariatric surgery (BARIA cohort subset); 22% T2D, 77% females, median age 47 (IQR: 39–54 years), BMI 39 (IQR: 36–41 kg/m²)
- Participants
- 264 participants
- Outcome
- Association of plasma dicarbonyls (MGO, GO, 3-DG; UPLC-MS/MS) with liver fibrosis by biopsy scoring and FIB-4 Index
Methodological detailssubset of the BARIA cohort
- Subset of the BARIA cohort
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Association of plasma dicarbonyls with liver fibrosis
Methylglyoxal (MGO) vs FIB-4 Index, rho
0.21
p < 0.01
Glyoxal (GO) vs FIB-4 Index, rho
0.29
p < 0.01
3DG vs FIB-4 Index, rho
0.25
p < 0.05
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
| Outcome | Values |
|---|---|
| MGO levels by T2D status | T2D median 288 (range 257–334) nmol/L · No T2D median 238 (range 212–279) nmol/L |
| MGO levels by sex | Males median 267 (range 236–301) nmol/L · Females median 245 (range 214–288) nmol/L |
MGO levels by T2D status
- MGO significantly higher with T2D; similar results for GO and 3DG
MGO levels by sex
- MGO higher in males; similar results for GO and 3DG
Steatosis and inflammation histology scores
- No significant associations of MGO, GO or 3DG with steatosis or inflammation scores after adjustment
Original publication
Higher plasma dicarbonyl levels are associated with liver fibrosis in obese individuals. Diabetes Obes Metab. Published 29 July 2025. doi:10.
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