Korean J Hepatol.
2011 Mar;17(1):27-36. 10.3350/kjhep.2011.17.1.27.
Association of serum alanine aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyltransferase levels within the reference range with metabolic syndrome and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
- Affiliations
-
- 1Department of Internal Medicine, Sanbon Medical Center, Wonkwang University College of Medicine, Gunpo, Korea.
- 2Department of Internal Medicine, Wonkwang University Hospital, Wonkwang University College of Medicine, Iksan, Korea. friendsoh@hanmail.net
- 3Department of Family Medicine, Wonkwang University Hospital, Wonkwang University College of Medicine, Iksan, Korea.
- 4Department of Internal Medicine, Dongducheon Jungang Seongmo Hospital, Dongducheon, Korea.
- KMID: 1105511
- DOI: http://doi.org/10.3350/kjhep.2011.17.1.27
Abstract
- BACKGROUND/AIMS
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has recently been found to be a novel component of metabolic syndrome (MS), which is one of the leading causes of chronic liver disease. The serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) levels are suggested to affect liver fat accumulation and insulin resistance. We assessed the associations of serum ALT and GGT concentrations within the reference ranges with MS and NAFLD.
METHODS
In total, 1,069 subjects enrolled at the health promotion center of Wonkwang University Hospital were divided into 4 groups according to serum ALT and GGT concentrations levels within the reference ranges. We performed biochemical tests, including liver function tests and lipid profiles, and diagnosed fatty liver by ultrasonography. Associations of ALT and GGT concentrationgrading within the reference range with fatty liver and/or MS were investigated.
RESULTS
The presence of MS, its components, and the number of metabolic abnormalities [except for high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and fasting blood glucose] increased with the ALT level, while the presence of MS, its components, and the number of metabolic abnormalities (except for HDL-C) increased with the GGT level. The odds ratios for fatty liver and MS increased with the ALT level (P<0.001 and P=0.049, respectively) and the GGT level (P=0.044 and P=0.039, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS
Serum ALT and GGT concentrations within the reference ranges correlated with the incidence of NAFLD and MS in a dose-dependent manner. There associations need to be confirmed in large, prospective studies.
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