
Type IV Collagen: A Non Invasive Bio Marker To Detect Non - Alcoholic Steato Hepatitis (NASH), Among Non - Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Patients
2483-2488
Correspondence
SURAPANENI KRISHNA MOHAN,
Assistant Professor,
Department of Biochemistry,
Saveetha Medical College & Hospital,
Saveetha University,
Thandalam, Chennai – 602 105, T.N, INDIA.
EMail:krishnamohan_surapaneni@yahoo.com
Introduction: Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) encompasses a disease spectrum ranging from simple hepatic steatosis to steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis and cirrhosis. It is becoming the leading cause for referral to liver clinics in most areas. The prevalence of NAFLD is most likely to continue to rise. Obesity, hyperglycaemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertriglyceridaemia are the most important risk factors. Genetic factors undoubtedly predispose to NAFLD. NAFLD has the potential to progress to hepatocellular carcinoma or liver failure, both being events that ultimately lead to early death.
Aim: To evaluate the Type-IV collagen – NASH test, a new bio marker for Non- Alcoholic Steato Hepatitis in patients with Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.
Materials and Methods: 69 patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) who were diagnosed by ultrasound scanning and age and sex matched 69 normal healthy individuals as controls, were selected for this study. The levels of serum Type-IV collagen, lipid profile and liver function test parameters were estimated in patients and were compared to controls.
Results: Type – IV collagen levels were significantly increased in patients with NASH among the NAFLD patients as compared to the controls. When compared to the liver function test parameters and the lipid profile levels, NASH was found to have a positive negative predictive value among the NAFLD patients.
Conclusion: In patients with NAFLD, the Type – IV collagen test was found to be a simple, non – invasive and reliable test to predict the presence or absence of NASH.