Serum levels of interleukin-1 beta associate better with severity of simple steatosis than liver function tests in morbidly obese patients

Background: In high‑fat diet‑fed mice, interleukin‑1 beta (IL‑1 beta) has been shown to play a key role in hepatic steatosis. However, it remains unknown whether IL‑1 beta could be associated with different grades of steatosis in obese humans. Materials and Methods: Morbidly obese patients (n = 124) aged 18–65 years were divided into four groups: no steatosis (controls), mild steatosis, moderate steatosis, and severe steatosis using abdominal ultrasound. IL‑1 beta serum levels and liver function tests were measured and significant differences were estimated by one‑way ANOVA followed by Tukey test. Results: IL‑1 beta serum levels significantly increased in morbidly obese patients with mild (11.38 ± 2.40 pg/ml), moderate (16.72 ± 2.47 pg/ml), and severe steatosis (23.29 ± 5.2 pg/ml) as compared to controls (7.78 ± 2.26 pg/ml). Liver function tests did not significantly change among different grades of steatosis. Conclusion: IL‑1 beta serum levels associate better with steatosis degree than liver function tests in morbidly obese population.