Association between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and liver function/injury markers with metabolic syndrome components in class III obese individuals *

SummaryObjectiveTo investigate the association between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and liver function/injury markers with components of metabolic syndrome (MS) in class III obese individuals.MethodsThe study population consisted of 144 patients with class III obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 40 kg/m2). MS was diagnosed according to the National Cholesterol Education Program – Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) criteria, by determining the lipid profile, blood glucose, and basal insulin. Liver function/injury markers were also quantified. Insulin resistance (IR) was measured by HOMA-IR and NAFLD diagnosis was established by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Statistical calculations were performed by SPSS version 13.0. The association was assessed by the Mann-Whitney and Chi-square tests, with a level of significance set at 5%.ResultsThere was a significant association between the diagnosis of MS and NAFLD (χ2 = 6.84, p = 0.01). As for the diagnostic components of MS, there was a positive and significant association between HDL-C (p = 0.05), waist circumference (p < 0.05), and hypertension (χ2 = 4.195, p = 0.041) with NAFLD. HOMA-IR (p < 0.001) also showed a positive association with liver disease.ConclusionA positive and significant association between NAFLD and components of metabolic syndrome in class III obese individuals was observed, suggesting the need and importance of monitoring these components in NAFLD screening.