HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA AS A CAUSATIVE RISK FACTOR FOR NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE

Increased serum Cholesterol level is a known risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Derangements in serum Cholesterol levels will affect normal hepatic Cholesterol homeostasis resulting in hypercholesterolemia. Non-Alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) initially asymptomatic but can lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma from mild steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. The objective of this study is to find out hypercholesterolemia as a causative risk factor in NAFLD patients. This will help to prevent the development and progression of the disease.

This cross-sectional study was conducted from 16th August 2021 to 16th August 2022 at Ayub Medical institute Abbottabad. Random sampling technique was used. Sample size was 100, in which 50 were diagnosed cases of liver disease and 50 normal subjects diagnosed on ultrasound. A questionnaire was designed. Subjects between 40-65 years age group were selected after informed consent and confidentiality. Data was collected from the out-patient department of medical and surgical unit and analysed with the help of SPSS-22.00. Chi-square test was used. Enzymatic kit method was used for serum cholesterol and triglycerides estimation. BMI was derived from the mass (weight) and height of the person.

It was found that 48% study subjects with NAFLD shows high serum Cholesterol levels while 52% subjects with NAFLD were found within normal limits but 10% individuals with no fatty infiltration had high serum Cholesterol levels while 90% without NAFLD had shown normal serum Cholesterol levels. Significant p-value of <0.001 was found between presence of NAFLD and high serum Cholesterol levels. Significant association was also found among serum Cholesterol and serum Triglyceride levels showing strong association of serum cholesterol levels with NAFLD and raised serum triglycerides levels with p-value 0.001. Similarly, significant association was found between serum cholesterol levels and BMI with p-value ˂0.001.

Highly significant association was found between Hypercholesterolemia and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. It suggests hypercholesterolemia as a causative risk factor for NAFLD.