ABSTRACT
Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of NAFLD on CIMT as a risk factor for atherosclerosis
Background: The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD] is increasing worldwide due to rise of obesity and diabetes mellitus [DM] prevalence. Non-invasive assessment of carotid intima-media thickness [CIMT] by high-resolution carotid B-mode ultrasonography is widely used for determining the atherosclerosis
Patients and Methods: In this case-control setting, 151 subjects were categorized in three groups: group I including 49 patients with NAFLD and DM; group II including 50 non-diabetic NAFLD patients; and the control including 52 normal subjects as group III. The right and left CIMTs and its maximum reading [CIMT[max]] were measured by a skilled sonographist blind to the groups. The sonographic grading of the NAFLD was determined in group I and II
Results: Median CIMT[max] was significantly higher in group I comparing with group II and control group [p<0.001]. This difference between group I and group II was not significant after adjusting for age and history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia [p=0.089]. After controlling the confounders, there was statistical significant between group I and group II with the control group [p<0.05]. There was no significant difference in median maximal thickness of intima-media in the carotid of group I compare to group II in patients with and without elevated liver enzymes [in both groups, 0.6 mm, p= 0.402]
Conclusion: Based on our findings, there is a significant association between the presence of NAFLD and atherosclerosis. This association was independent to the DM presence. The grade of NAFLD and elevated liver function tests had no effect on severity of atherosclerosis
ABSTRACT
Therapeutic intervention in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease are limited, while anti-oxidative materials have shown benefits in animal models. This study aimed to evaluate grape seed extract as an anti-oxidative material in this process. Therapeutic effects of grape seed extract were evaluated in comparison to vitamin C in a double-blind setting. Fifteen patients were enrolled in each group. Liver function tests were done; also, grade of steatosis and pattern of echogenicity of the liver were determined. Patients were followed up by the same evaluation repeated in first, second and third months. Mean age +/- standard deviation was 43.2 +/- 10.3 years. Grape seed extract [GSE] significantly improved the grade of fatty liver change; and resulted in significant decrease in alanine aminotransferase in patients receiving the concentrate compared to those receiving vitamin C independently, from the initial grade of steatosis. This study describes the beneficial effect of using grape seed extract for three months in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. These results may improve with a longer period of follow-up