Elevation of serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase enzymes level as a predictor of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in type two diabetic patients

Background: This is a study of liver function tests in type two diabetic patients reveal that abnormal tests are not uncommon encounter in those in whom their diabetes is poorly controlled and it is regarded as a predictor for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.Aim of this study: To study the correlation between liver transaminases (alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in type two diabetic patients. Patients and methods: In this cross-sectional study conducted at diabetic and endocrine centre in A-Sadr medical city in Najaf, from February 2014 to March 2015, a total of 120 type 2 diabetic patients were included (Male 39 and Female 81). Several different factors were studied like age, sex, type of treatment, body mass index and control of diabetes by measuring glycated hemoglobin. Liver transaminases (alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase)  was done to all those patients and the results are compared with these different factors that mention above. Ultrasonography was done to all the patients searching for any signs of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease like increase in liver size or echogenicity and compared with these factors. Results: Raised Alanine aminotransferase and Aspartate aminotransferase were noted in 20.8% and 16.6% respectively. The mean values of Alanine aminotransferase and Aspartate aminotransferase had no significant correlation with age, sex , mode of therapy or type of diabetes. Values of Alanine aminotransferase and Aspartate aminotransferase were also significantly higher with increasing Body Mass Index. Hepatomegaly, increased liver echogenicity are associated significantly with elevated Alanine aminotransferase and Aspartate aminotransferase values. Conclusion: There was significant correlation between increase level of ALT & AST and the U/S evidence of NAFLD in type 2 diabetic patients. Significant correlation was also found between increase BMI and raise level of liver transaminase ALT & AST) as there was significant association between control of DM and liver transaminase level.