Elevated Expression of Osteopontin May Be Related to Adipose Tissue Macrophage Accumulation and Liver Steatosis in Morbid Obesity

Abstract

The modestly elevated circulating OPN levels in morbidly obese patients were not related to liver steatosis and did not appear to result from adipose tissue secretion. In subcutaneous AT, expression of OPN was directly related to macrophage accumulation independently from liver complications. In contrast, hepatic OPN and CD44 expressions were related to insulin resistance and steatosis, suggesting their local implication in the progression of liver injury.