Advanced Liver Fibrosis Is Independently Associated with Palmitic Acid and Insulin Levels in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Changes in lipid metabolism occur during the development and progression non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the fatty acid (FA) profile in red blood cells (RBC) from patients with liver fibrosis remains unexplored. Thus, the goal of this study was to evaluate the fatty acid profile in RBC, dietary lipid intake and insulin resistance indicators in patients with NAFLD, according to the degree of hepatic fibrosis. Using elastography, patients were classified with (n = 52) and without (n = 37) advanced liver fibrosis. The fatty acid profile in RBC was analyzed using gas chromatography and the lipid intake was evaluated through a 24-h dietary recall. Subjects with advanced liver fibrosis had higher levels of palmitic, stearic and oleic acid and total monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) and insulin (p < 0.05), and lower levels of elongase very long chain fatty acids protein-6 and the delta-5-desaturase enzymatic activity (p < 0.05). These results suggest a lack of regulation of enzymes related to FA metabolism in patients with advanced fibrosis.