Biochemical Changes In Subjects With Fatty Liver: Is There A Link?

Abstract

Objective:To evaluate the biochemical markers including serum triglycerides, ALT, and fasting plasma glucose in detection of fatty liver disease. Methodology:This cross-sectional analysis was carried out at the department of radiology & pathology, PNS Rahat hospital, Karachi between March-2010 to February-2011.Sixty-two subjects with an ultrasonographic diagnosis of fatty liver were compared with thirty-seven subjects with normal ultrasound for fatty liver, after excluding all other abnormalities on history and examination. The comparison included measurement of biochemical abnormalities including fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol and alanine transaminase (ALT). Results:The results of fasting blood glucose[{Fatty liver group=7.06 ± 3.51mmol/L}{Without fatty liver disease=5.12 ± 0.56 mmol/L} (p = 0.002)], serum triglycerides [{Fatty liver group=2.56 ± 1.33 mmol/L } {Without fatty liver disease=1.68 ± 0.97 mmol/L } (p = 0.001)] and ALT[{Fatty liver group=36.37 ± 18.12 IU/L} {Without fatty liver disease=28.15 ± 13.95 IU/L} (p = 0.026)] were significantly higher in subjects with fatty liver disease. The Receiver Operating Curve (ROC) analysis showed fasting blood glucose and serum triglycerides to have the most area under the curve (AUC) as 0.747 (95% CI: 0.647-0.847) and 0.731(95% CI: 0.622-0.840); while the other parameters have AUCs as: Serum ALT-0.650 (95% CI: 0.532-0.767) and total cholesterol-0.509 (95% CI: 0.389-0.629). Conclusion: Hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia are associated with an ultrasonographic diagnosis of fatty liver. Raised transaminase levels in subjects with fatty liver disease also suggest underlying hepatocyte damage