Study of carotid atherosclerosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients and its correlation with serum transaminases
Aggarawal, Akshayaa K Ram, Shri
Aggarawal, Akshayaa K
Ram, Shri
Citations
Altmetric:
Affiliation
Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust; Murti Smarak Institute of Medical Sciences
Other Contributors
Publication date
2025-08-19
Collections
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Abstract
Background Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasingly recognized as a manifestation of metabolic syndrome and a potential risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is a validated marker of subclinical atherosclerosis which can predict the potential risk factor for CVD. This case-control study aimed to evaluate the association between NAFLD and CIMT and to investigate related metabolic and biochemical parameters. Objectives The study aimed to evaluate carotid atherosclerosis in patients with NAFLD by measuring CIMT and to determine its correlation with serum transaminase levels, specifically alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Methodology This hospital-based case-control study included 50 patients diagnosed with NAFLD and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. All participants underwent comprehensive clinical assessment, ultrasonographic grading of hepatic steatosis, CIMT evaluation via ultrasound, and laboratory investigations including liver function tests and lipid profiles. Results NAFLD was more prevalent in older adults, particularly males, and was closely associated with obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Most NAFLD cases were classified as mild (Grade I), and a significant number exhibited elevated triglycerides. The CIMT values were significantly increased in NAFLD patients across all age groups, with the most notable rise observed in individuals over 50 years of age (p<0.001). CIMT was positively associated with the severity of fatty liver and showed a significant correlation with ALT (p<0.039), but not with AST levels (p<0.327). A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Conclusion NAFLD is associated with an increased burden of metabolic dysfunction and early vascular changes as reflected by elevated CIMT. The findings highlight a significant association between ALT levels, triglycerides, and subclinical atherosclerosis, emphasizing the need for routine cardiovascular risk stratification in patients with NAFLD, especially those aged over 50.
Citation
Aggarawal AK, Deepak A. Study of Carotid Atherosclerosis in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Patients and Its Correlation With Serum Transaminases. Cureus. 2025 Aug 19;17(8):e90500. doi: 10.7759/cureus.90500. PMID: 40978965; PMCID: PMC12446886.
Type
Article