Alanine aminotransferase and γ-glutamyltransferase as markers for elevated insulin resistance-associated metabolic abnormalities in obese Japanese men younger than 30 years of age

SummaryObjectiveThis study aimed to understand whether liver function tests predict insulin resistance and its associated metabolic abnormalities in obese young men who are younger than 30 years of age.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, we determined anthropometric and metabolic parameters and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (Homa-IR) in 208 obese young Japanese men (age, 18–29 years; BMI ± SD, 31.3 ± 3.1 kg/m2).ResultsAfter adjusting for age and BMI, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) were significantly associated with Homa-IR. Both ALT and GGT but not fasting glucose levels had significant positive associations with total cholesterol, LDL, TG, and UA. After adjusting for ALT, GGT remained a significant predictor of total cholesterol, LDL, TG, and UA, but ALT did not remain a significant predictor of these variables after adjusting for GGT.ConclusionALT and GGT have significant associations with insulin resistance and its associated metabolic abnormalities in obese young Japanese men. ALT and GGT may be used as markers of insulin resistance-associated metabolic abnormalities in this cohort.