The changes of serum fibrinogen-like protein 1 levels associated with improved liver function and uric acid after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

Background: Fibrinogen-like protein (FGL)-1 is a novel hepatokine that plays an important role in the development of hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance. The purpose of this study is to analyze serum FGL-1 levels in patients with obesity before and after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Methods: : Ninety-two individuals (32 people with normal weight and 60 patients with obesity) were included in this study. All patients with obesity finished follow-up visits at 6 months after LSG. Clinical data, anthropometric parameters and biochemical variables were collected. Serum FGL-1 levels were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: : FGL-1 levels in patients with obesity (44.66 ± 20.03 ng/mL) were higher than individuals with normal weight (20.73 ± 9.73 ng/mL, P < 0.001). At baseline, FGL-1 levels were positively correlated with body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, hepatic enzyme levels, glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism and uric acid (UA). After LSG, FGL-1 levels were significantly decreased (27.53 ± 11.45 ng/mL, P < 0.001). Besides, BMI, hepatic enzyme levels, glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism and UA were significantly improved. After adjusting possible confounders, changes in FGL-1 levels at 6 months after surgery were positively correlated with changes in ALT, AST and UA levels. Conclusions: : FGL-1 levels were closely correlated with various metabolic factors and decrease following LSG in patients with obesity. Furthermore, FGL-1 levels were more closely related to liver function and uric acid metabolism, but not body weight and glucolipid metabolism. Trial registration: This study protocol was approved by the Ethical Committee of Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital. The Clinical Registration Number is ChiCTR-OCS-12002381. Date: 23 July 2012.