A recent study explored the predictive value of pentraxin 3 (PTX3) in assessing severe fibrosis and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in patients with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), a condition associated with increased cardiovascular risks. The study involved 188 participants, including 114 with MAFLD and 74 with dual etiology (MAFLD combined with chronic hepatitis C). Comprehensive evaluations included clinical histories, metabolic assessments, serum PTX3 levels, and fibrosis scoring through the Fibrosis-4 index and NAFLD fibrosis score, along with abdominal ultrasounds and CIMT measurements.
Findings revealed that serum PTX3 levels were significantly higher in patients with advanced fibrosis compared to those with mild or moderate fibrosis, with values recorded at 1.8 versus 1.4 (p = 0.006). The study established an independent association between PTX3 levels and advanced fibrosis, with an odds ratio of 1.26. Specifically, MAFLD patients exhibited PTX3 levels of 1.4 in those with low fibrosis and 1.9 in those with advanced fibrosis (p = 0.027). Moreover, patients with elevated PTX3 showed a significantly greater CIMT, measuring 4.05 compared to 3.85 in those with lower PTX3 levels (p = 0.0001).
The results indicate that PTX3 serves as an accurate predictor of advanced fibrosis and CIMT in MAFLD patients, offering potential utility for risk stratification and management in clinical settings. The authors emphasize the need for further independent studies to validate these findings across larger and more diverse populations, enhancing the understanding of PTX3’s role in MAFLD and associated cardiovascular risks.
