sTREM2 is a plasma biomarker for human NASH and promotes hepatocyte lipid accumulation

Abstract

Elevated levels of sTREM2 due to TREM2 shedding may directly contribute to the pathogenesis of NAFLD by promoting hepatocyte lipid accumulation, as well as serving as a biomarker for distinguishing patients with NASH versus NAFL. Further investigation of sTREM2 as a clinically useful diagnostic biomarker and of the therapeutic effects of targeting sTREM2 in NASH is warranted.