Letters to the Editor Table 1. Associations between the PNPLA3 variant rs738409, adipokines and liver-specific serum parameters in a linear regression model adjusted for age, gender and BMI rs738409 rs738409

–

Vaspin Adiponectin FGF-21

0.269 0.026 (ß = 0.07) 0.370

Chemerin

0.487

AFABP

0.859

Progranulin

0.480

ALT 0.007 (ß = 0.073) 0.336 0.222 7.74 3 10 6 (ß = 0.139) 7.67 3 10 5 (ß = 0.125) 0.044 (ß = 0.08) 0.004 (ß = 0.084)

AST 5

7.75 3 10 (ß = 0.117) 0.130 0.004 (ß = 0.101) 6.89 3 10 12 (ß = 0.221) 2.07 3 10 4 (ß = 0.124) 0.009 (ß = 0.109) 1.29 3 10 4 (ß = 0.118)

AP

GGT

0.610

0.899

0.187 0.493

0.336 0.010 (ß = 0.091) 1.56 3 10 53 (ß = 0.477) 0.008 (ß = 0.089) 0.100

0.545 2.05 (ß = 3.31 (ß = 2.81 (ß =

3 10 8 0.191) 3 10 9 0.25) 3 10 8 0.175)

1.70 3 10 5 (ß = 0.135)

Genetic association was assessed in the additive mode of inheritance. The beta values standardized to the minor allele are given in brackets for significant associations (P-values 7.26 and not if its value Liver International (2015) © 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd

is ≤5.16. Liver biopsy is needed only when the model value is between 5.16 and 7.26. However, we would like to share our thoughts and contributions to the original study. First, single biochemical and/or demographical data are used in the regression equation in the original study. However, recent studies suggest that widely used indices like Forns’ index, FIB-4 or APRI, composed of multiple biochemical/demographical parameters, have higher diagnostic accuracies than a single parameter. These indices in addition to the parameters significant at univariate logistic regression analysis should be evaluated by multivariate logistic regression analysis in the original study. The equation which will be established in this case will probably be shorter, simpler and easier to use.

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