"OBESITY AS A KEY RISK FACTOR FOR NASH AND FIBROSIS IN NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE"
Main Article Content
Keywords
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), BMI, Advanced Fibrosis, NASH, Liver Function Tests, Steatosis, Hepatocyte Ballooning, Obesity, Diabetes, Hypertension.
Abstract
Introduction:
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a common liver disorder closely associated with metabolic risk factors such as obesity. This study aimed to explore the histopathological spectrum of NAFLD across different BMI categories and evaluate the impact of obesity on liver function, fibrosis progression, and disease severity.
Methodology:
A total of 288 patients diagnosed with NAFLD were recruited from a tertiary healthcare institute over a two-year period. The cohort was categorized into three groups based on BMI: normal weight (BMI < 25), overweight (BMI 25–29.9), and obese (BMI ≥ 30). Clinical data, including age, sex, comorbidities (diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia), liver function tests (ALT, AST), and histopathological features of NAFLD, were recorded. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the risk of advanced fibrosis (F3–F4) in different BMI categories.
Results:
Our findings revealed that higher BMI was significantly associated with more severe NAFLD, including increased steatosis, hepatocyte ballooning, lobular inflammation, and fibrosis stages. The obese group had the highest rates of advanced fibrosis (25%) and NASH (45%). Liver function tests (ALT, AST) were also significantly elevated in overweight and obese individuals compared to those with normal weight. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that obesity (OR 2.1) and overweight (OR 1.5) were independent risk factors for advanced fibrosis, further aggravated by diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia.
Conclusion:
This study emphasizes the critical role of BMI in the progression of NAFLD. Obesity is associated with increased severity of liver injury and advanced fibrosis, highlighting the need for early identification and intervention in overweight and obese individuals to prevent long-term liver complications.
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Dr. Omkar Ramakrishna Puvvala
Assistant Professor Department of Pathology Sri Siddhartha Institute of Medical Sciences,T. Begur, Nelamangala Taluk Thippagondanahalli, Karnataka, India.
Dr. Gopikumar M.S
Assistant Professor Department of Physiology, Sri Siddhartha Institute of Medical Sciences, T. Begur, Nelamangala Taluk Thippagondanahalli, Karnataka, India
Dr. Nitin kumar
Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology, Xavier university school of Medicine (XUSOM), Aruba.
Dr Shivcharan Chavan
Assistant Professor, Dept of Community Medicine GMCH Chatrapati Sambhajinagar