Serum Liver Enzymes in Metabolic Syndrome and Nonmetabolic Syndrome Patients: A Case-Control Study

Metabolic syndrome (Met-S) is a major threat to human health all over the world due to a rise in obesity and sedentary lifestyle. It is associated with many cardiovascular risk factors, including insulin resistance, obesity, atherogenic dyslipidemia, and hypertension. This study was conducted to determine the correlation of serum liver enzymes, especially serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), in Met-S and non-Met-S patients.

To determine the correlation of serum liver enzymes, especially serum GGT, in Met-S and non-Met-S patients.

An observational case-control study was carried out on a total of 100 patients-50 cases of Met-S as defined by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) 2005 and 50 age- and gender-matched controls (non-Met-S patients) aged >18 years-at a tertiary care hospital of Western India. Patients' history taking, general anthropometric, and systemic examination were done. Liver function tests [serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), GGT, alkaline phosphatase (ALP)], C-reactive protein (CRP), and ultrasonography (USG) for visualizing liver involvement were done.

The maximum number of patients with Met-S were >50 years of age, with male predominance (78%) and a high prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, and central obesity among them as major components of Met-S. Liver function tests such as GGT, SGPT, SGOT, and CRP were significantly raised in Met-S patients compared to non-Met-S patients. The majority of the Met-S patients with deranged liver function tests had fatty liver on USG abdomen.

This study showed a significant association between elevated levels of GGT, SGPT, SGOT, CRP, and fatty liver in Met-S patients compared to non-Met-S patients.