Large-scale analysis of factors influencing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and its relationship with liver enzymes

Abstract

ABSTRACT. Serum liver enzyme levels are often used effectively for the evaluation of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We aimed to investigate the associations between serum liver enzyme levels and risks for NAFLD in over 8000 cases in a large-scale analysis. A cross-sectional survey with multiple stages and random samplings was performed from May 2007 to May 2009 on 8102 workers at Tongji University. A questionnaire was given, assessments of physical measurements, plasma glucose, lipid profiles, and liver enzymes were made, and real-time liver ultrasounds conducted. The prevalence of NAFLD in Tongji University was 22.2%. It was higher in males than in females (P = 0.0023). The body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, serum total triglycerides, serum total cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) values were all higher in the NAFLD group than in the control group. For moderate and severe NAFLD patients, the ALT, AST and GGT values were significantly Factors influencing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease increased, high density lipoprotein cholesterol was decreased, and drinking much, heavy entertainment and less exercise were more prevalent (P < 0.001). There were strong correlations between serum liver enzyme levels and NAFLD (P < 0.001), with GGT being a more sensitive marker for NAFLD than ALT or AST. ALT and GGT were independent predictors for NAFLD, and GGT was a better predictor than ALT for NAFLD.

The Effects of Aerobic Training on Serum Level of Liver Enzymes and Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors in Young Inactive Women

“…There was strong correlation between serum liver enzyme levels and NAFLD (P<0.001), with GGT being a more sensitive marker for NAFLD than ALT or AST. ALT and GGT were independent predictors for NAFLD, and GGT was a better predictor than ALT for NAFLD (48,49).…”

Prevalence and Predictors of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Obese and Overweight Children in the Northwest of Iran

“…These enzymes are commonly found in the liver cells and can enter the bloodstream due to liver damage, so the elevated levels of enzymes in the blood may be a marker for liver degeneration (27). Other studies verified the strong association between the elevated levels of liver enzymes and NAFLD (28,29). Other studies also showed that ALT is associated with markers of oxidative stress and inflammation, which can lead to liver degeneration (30).…”

Exacerbations of oral lichen planus and elevated levels of aminotransferases

“…Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome and elevated serum values of AST and ALT aminotransferase appear to be proportionally higher with advanced NAFLD degrees …”

“…Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome and elevated serum values of AST and ALT aminotransferase appear to be proportionally higher with advanced NAFLD degrees. 16,17 Atrophic and/or erosive oral lichen planus (OLP) was present in the 63% of HCV-positive group patients and 67% of those HCV-seronegative group, having altered aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase (AST and ALT). Only two previous retrospective studies examined the positive association between serum aminotransferases (AST and ALT) and oral lichen planus lesions (OLP).…”