Serum procalcitonin and CRP levels in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a case control study

Abstract

BackgroundBoth C reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) are well known acute phase reactant proteins. CRP was reported to increase in metabolic syndrome and type-2 diabetes. Similarly altered level of serum PCT was found in chronic liver diseases and cirrhosis. The liver is considered the main source of CRP and a source of PCT, however, the serum PCT and CRP levels in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were not compared previously. Therefore we aimed to study the diagnostic and discriminative role of serum PCT and CRP in NAFLD.MethodsFifty NAFLD cases and 50 healthy controls were included to the study. Liver function tests were measured, body mass index was calculated, and insulin resistance was determined by using a homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR). Ultrasound evaluation was performed for each subject. Serum CRP was measured with nephalometric method. Serum PCT was measured with Kryptor based system.ResultsSerum PCT levels were similar in steatohepatitis (n 20) and simple steatosis (n 27) patients, and were not different than the control group (0.06 ± 0.01, 0.04 ± 0.01 versus 0.06 ± 0.01 ng/ml respectively). Serum CRP levels were significantly higher in simple steatosis, and steatohepatitis groups compared to healthy controls (7.5 ± 1.6 and 5.2 ± 2.5 versus 2.9 ± 0.5 mg/dl respectively p < 0.01). CRP could not differentiate steatohepatitis from simple steatosis. Beside, three patients with focal fatty liver disease had normal serum CRP levels.ConclusionSerum PCT was within normal ranges in patients with simple steatosis or steatohepatitis and has no diagnostic value. Serum CRP level was increased in NAFLD compared to controls. CRP can be used as an additional marker for diagnosis of NAFLD but it has no value in discrimination of steatohepatitis from simple steatosis.

Efficacy of liraglutide in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus complicated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

“…In addition, high level of CRP was also used for the prediction of metabolic syndrome, T2DM, and coronary heart disease [46,47]. Despite the controversial opinions, there are still several studies identified the association between high levels of CRP and NAFLD [48][49][50]. In this study, liraglutide was more effective than metformin at decreasing the levels of CRP.…”

Serum C‐reactive protein and S100A12 concentrations in dogs with hepatic disease

“…Previously, dogs with congenital portosystemic shunts (CPSS) that have hepatic encephalopathy were shown to have higher serum CRP concentrations than those without hepatic encephalopathy (Gow et al ). Increased serum CRP concentrations have also been reported in human patients with hepatic neoplasia (Zheng et al ) and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (Oruc et al ). To the authors’ knowledge, serum CRP concentrations have not been evaluated and reported in dogs with hepatic diseases other than CPSS.…”

C-reactive protein as a marker for insulin resistance in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in non-obese South Indian population

“…The Oruc N et. Al 20 group study showed increase in mean serum CRP level was increased in NAFLD compared to controls. CRP can be used as an additional marker for diagnosis of NAFLD group.…”