Serum Resistin Levels in Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in an Iranian Population

Abstract

Introduction: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major global health problem, in which liver fat exceeds 5% of the liver weight, without secondary causes of fat accumulation or excessive alcohol consumption. Resistin plays a key role in energy homeostasis, insulin resistance, inflammation, and metabolic disorders. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between resistin (RETN) level and NAFLD. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 80 patients with NAFLD and 80 healthy individuals as controls were evaluated. Biochemical variables, liver enzymes, insulin, and resistin were measured. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16 software. Results: The variables of cholesterol, insulin, triglyceride, HDL, body mass index, age, and liver enzymes were significantly different between the two groups of patients with NAFLD and healthy individuals (p<0.05). In patients, resistin was associated with triglyceride (r=0.243, p=0.045). No association was found between resistin level and NAFLD grades (p≥0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that there is a relationship between resistin and NAFLD. There is no association between resistin level and the degree of NAFLD.

Keywords

• non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
• resistin
• triglyceride
• insulin resistance.