Assessment of insulin resistance and effect of metformin in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis--a preliminary report.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Insulin resistance plays a major role in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Insulin-sensitizing drugs like metformin may have a role in the treatment of this disease. OBJECTIVE: To determine insulin resistance and the role of metformin in the treatment of NASH. METHODS: We prospectively studied 25 patients with NASH over a period of one and a half years. In addition to clinicopathological profile, we studied the insulin resistance by insulin tolerance test in 10 of them; seven of them, who did not respond to 3 months of low-calorie, low-fat diet, exercise, weight reduction and ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), were treated with metformin for six months. Results were compared with control groups. RESULTS: All 10 patients with NASH tested had low insulin sensitivity; there was significant difference in the rate constant for insulin sensitivity (Kitt) between patients with NASH and normal volunteers. Thirteen (52%) patients responded to dietary restriction, exercise, weight reduction and UDCA. Four of 7 patients treated with metformin had normalization of ALT. CONCLUSION: Patients with NASH have insulin resistance. Metformin may have a role in the treatment of these patients.