Study Of Inflammatory Markers, Lipid Peroxidation Products and Liver Profile in Alcohol Associated Liver Disease and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease

Abstract

Background: Fatty liver disease is one of the most common chronic liver disorders worldwide and is broadly classified into Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD). Both conditions are associated with hepatic fat accumulation, inflammation, and progressive liver damage. Inflammatory markers and liver enzymes play an important role in evaluating hepatic injury and disease progression.

Aim: To study and compare inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR, WBC) and liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP) in patients with alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Methodology: The present observational, comparative, cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry at the Pacific Institute of Medical Sciences. A total of 40 subjects were included, comprising 20 NAFLD and 20 AFLD patients. Blood samples were analysed for inflammatory markers, liver enzymes, oxidative stress markers, lipid profile, and fasting blood sugar using standard laboratory methods. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0, and p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results: AFLD patients showed significantly higher ESR, WBC count, AST, ALP, GGT, PT/INR, MDA, and 4-HNE levels compared to NAFLD patients, indicating increased hepatic inflammation and oxidative stress. ALT levels were comparatively higher in NAFLD patients. Lipid profile abnormalities and elevated fasting blood sugar levels were also observed in both groups. Positive correlations were found between inflammatory markers and liver enzyme levels.

Conclusion: The study demonstrated significant alterations in inflammatory markers and liver enzyme profiles in both NAFLD and AFLD patients, with more severe abnormalities observed in AFLD cases. These biomarkers may serve as useful non-invasive indicators for differentiating fatty liver disease types and assessing disease severity.