Abstract
Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent condition associated with obesity and insulin resistance (IR). Adipokines include fat-secreted proteins such as leptin or adiponectin and fat-or liver-derived cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-alpha) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) are considered to play an important role in the pathogenesis of the metabolic syndrome, including NAFLD.
Objective: The present study aimed to explore the role of adipokines in the pathogenesis of NAFLD and correlate them with glucose control.
Material and Methods: One hundred Saudi patients with NAFLD (45 males and 55 females) with NAFLD diagnosed by ultrasonographic findings, our group includes one gender, age and body mass index (BMI) matched hundred healthy volunteers. Adiopkines and parameters of glucose control of all participants were detected.
Results: Serum glucose, insulin, aspartate aminotransferase(AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase / alanine aminotransferase ratio (AST/ALT), serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), serum TNF-alpha and L-6 levels were significantly higher in patients with NAFLD when compared to control group. However, serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and adiponectin levels were significantly lower in patients with NAFLD when compared to control group. Moreover, serum levels of adipokines showed an association with insulin resistance.
Conclusion: Within the limit of this study non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with adipokines alteration that is correlated with abnormal glucose control and insulin resistance.