Oral nitrate reductase activity is not associated with development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD] and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis [NASH]: a pilot study

ABSTRACT

NAFLD/NASH is a manifestation of metabolic syndrome and is associated with obesity/overweight. Not all obese/overweight individuals develop NASH. Gastro-esophageal reflux disease [GERD] is considered a gastrointestinal manifestation of the metabolic syndrome and is associated with obesity/ overweight. Again not all obese/overweight individuals develop GERD. Recent data show association of dietary nitrate content and oral nitrate reductase activity [NRA] with GERD. Nitrates need to be converted to nitrite [done in human beings by nitrate reductase of oral bacteria exclusively] to be active in metabolic pathways. To assess the relation between NASH/NAFLD and oral NRA. Oral NRA was measured in individuals with NASH [compatible abdominal ultrasound and two elevated ALT/AST levels over six months] and was compared with that of those without NASH. Oral NRA was measured according to a previously reported protocol. Eleven NASH patients and twelve controls were enrolled. Mean oral NRA activity were 2.82 vs. 3.51 microg nitrite-N formed per person per minute for cases and controls respectively [p=0.46]. According to our data, oral nitrite production is not different between individuals with and without NASH.