Investigation of Adiponectin, Leptin, Retinol Binding Protein-4 and Resistin Levels in Non-Diabetic and Non-Obese Patients With Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Abstract

AIMS: This study aimed to investigate the levels of adiponectin, leptin, resistin and RBP-4 in the serum of NAFLD with non-obese and non-diabetic cases.

METHODS: A total of 81 people aged between 25-72 were included in the study. 56 obese and non-diabetic NAFLD cases with fatty liver detected by ultrasonography (US) were compared with a control group of 25. Liver function tests and lipid profile analysis of all cases were performed, insulin resistance (HOMA –IR) was evaluated. Liver biopsy was performed in 18 patients. Biopsy patients were staged according to their groups. Serum values of adiponectin, leptin, resistin and RBP-4 were measured in all cases by ELISA method.

RESULTS: Waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) and HOMA-IR values were higher in the NAFLD group and were considered statistically significant. Lipid profiles and adipokine levels were similar in both groups. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups. The mean values of adiponectin, resistin, leptin and RBP-4 were compared according to the biopsy stage, and the mean of leptin and resistin was not associated with the biopsy stage. A positive correlation was found between HOMA-IR and biopsy stage, and a negative correlation between averages of adiponectin and RBP-4.

CONCLUSION: Unfortunately, not being overweight or fit doesn’t always lead to better health. Obese and non-diabetic individuals may also be at risk of fatty liver and steatohepatitis. Adipokines, which have roles in the pathogenesis of NAFLD, are increasingly important in detecting steohepatitis at an early stage. However, in our study, we did not find any significant differences between the groups in terms of adipokine profiles. For this purpose, studies with larger biopsy-based cases are needed.