Evaluation of pro-inflammatory markers-tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and adiponectin in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Abstract

Background and Aims: Adiponectin and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) are adipocytokines, that have recently been found to be involved in the pathogenesis of the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The present study aimed to determine the serum level of adiponectin and TNF-α in NAFLD patients and evaluate their correlation with severity of NAFLD. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on patients with a diagnosis of NAFLD, based on ultrasonography (USG) of the abdomen. Fasting serum TNF-α and adiponectin level were measured by ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) method along with blood test for liver biochemistry and lipid profile and clinical and anthropometric measurements in consecutive 41 NAFLD patients and 20 healthy subjects.    Results: The serum TNF-α level was significantly higher in NAFLD patients compared to healthy subjects((17.29±5.71 vs 8.45±2.60 pg/ml, p < 0.0001). Similarly,serum adiponectin level was found significantly lower in NAFLD patients compared to the control group(3.29 ± 1.52 vs 8.15 ± 5.10 ug/ml, p < 0.0001). A significant correlation was found between TNF-α and adiponectin with an ultrasonographic grade of fatty liver.

Conclusions: Serum TNF-α level was significantly higher and significant low adiponectin level was found in NAFLD patients. TNF-α and adiponectin levels can predict the severity of NAFLD in adult patients but required a large sample for further accuracy.

Keywords: TNF-α, Adiponectin, Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, Metabolic syndrome.