Non alcoholic fatty liver disease in general population- their Metabolic profile

Objective: We aim to study the clinical and metabolic profile with prevalence and clinic-pathological correlates of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in routine health check-up. Method: After ethical clearance, general population presenting for preventive health check-up over a 4-month period was studied. Influence of alcohol was excluded by history and De Ritis ratio. Anthropometric, metabolic parameters and ultrasonography of liver were noted and data was analysed using SPSS 20.0. Results: Of 412 subjects, 13.6% were diabetic, 22.8% pre-diabetic and 63.6% (n=262) were non-diabetic. One-way ANOVA showed significantly more subjects were either overweight (43%) or obese (38%). On ultrasonography, 143 patients had fatty liver disease majority being males. Subjects with NAFLD had significantly higher levels of BMI, cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides, VLDL, fasting and postprandial blood sugars and lower levels of HDL (all p<0.01). Partial correlation of age (p>.05), gender (p=.000), BMI (p=.000), cholesterol (p=.004), triglycerides (p>.05), HDL (p>.05), atherogenic dyslipidemia (p=.000) and diabetic status (p=.002) with NAFLD revealed several significant correlations controlling for the other factors. Multinomial regression analysis was performed. Conclusions: Dyslipidemia, diabetes and NAFLD are present in asymptomatic general population. Males and persons with high BMI, atherogenic dyslipidemia and diabetes or prediabetes have greater odds of having hepatic steatosis. Association of atherogenic dyslipidemia with NAFLD provides both a clinical marker and therapeutic target for NAFLD. Significant partial correlations with NAFLD reflect the role of insulin resistance in its pathogenesis.