The UCP2 -866 G>A promoter region polymorphism is associated with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

Background & Aims Uncoupling protein 2 - UCP2 - regulates mitochondrial lipid fluxes and reactive oxygen species production by the respiratory chain. The −866 G>A UCP2 promoter region polymorphism has been linked to insulin resistance and lipid metabolism. The aim of this study was to assess whether the −866 G>A UCP2 polymorphism predisposes to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in patients at risk, and the relationship with lipid metabolism and hepatic UCP2 expression. Methods We considered 688 Italian patients who underwent liver biopsy for suspected NASH, and 232 healthy controls. The UCP2 −866 G>A polymorphism was determined by allele specific oligonucleotide probes, hepatic UCP2 mRNA levels …