Association of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease with Insulin Resistance in Non-Diabetic, Normal Weight Adults

Lee, Jung Ahn; Lee, Suck Hong; Son, Jang Won; Kim, Jaetaek; Oh, Yeon Sahng; Shinn, Soon Hyun

Abstract

BACKGROUND: It is well known that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, and dyslipidemia. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is frequently found in non-diabetic, normal weight adults, but the meaning of it is not fully investigated. We tested the hypothesis that there is association between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with insulin resistance in non-diabetic, normal weight adults.
METHODS
We examined 60 Korean adults above the age of 30 years, participating in medical check-up at the Chung-Ang University Hospital, from Sep 2003 to Jan 2004. Heapatitis B and C serologies were negative, and not the history of alcohol abuse. A standard interview, physical exam and biochemical study were conducted, and an experienced operator carried out ultrasound liver studies. We assessed the clinical characteristics of subjects and HOMA (Homeostasis Model Assessment), QUICKI (Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index) as an index of insulin resistance.
RESULTS
We classified subjects into 2 groups: the controls (n=42), and those with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (n=18). The frequency in the men was higher than that in the women (70 vs 30 %, p<0.05). Body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist/hip ratio, triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol, alanine transferase, and uric acid was significantly different between two groups (p<0.05). Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was significantly higher in subjects with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (p<0.05).
CONCLUSION
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with insulin resistance in non- diabetic, normal weight adults.