Afamin and Apolipoprotein F Associated With Liver Steatosis From People Living With HIV: A Discovery Study

INTRODUCTION: Liver steatosis (LS) is a condition that is characterised by hepatic fat accumulation unrelated to significant alcohol consumption. This study explored the serum proteomic profile associated with LS in people living with HIV (PLWH). METHODS: The study cohort comprised 266 PLWH, 21.1% and 78.9% of whom had LS and no LS, respectively. Serum samples were analysed using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS). RESULTS: Among the 220 proteins detected, afamin (AFM) and apolipoprotein F (APOF) were identified as proteins associated with LS. Differential expression of AFM and APOF was observed in under- and normoweight patients, emphasising their potential as biomarkers in patients without overweight or obesity. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the identified proteins could serve as promising biomarkers of LS in PLWH, paving the way for further investigations into the roles of these proteins in LS development in this unique population.