Association between liver enzymes and metabolic syndrome: results of the enrollment phase of Tabari cohort

Background The association between liver enzymes and metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been evaluated in several studies with different results. The purpose of this study is to determine the association between the serum levels of these liver enzymes and MetS in Tabari cohort population. Method In this case-control study, data collected from the enrolment phase of the Tabari cohort population have been used. MetS was defined based on IDF (international diabetes federation) standards. Then, 476 patients with MetS (case group) and 476 age-sex matched controls were selected randomly. Results Mean aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were higher in case group than control group (20.59 vs. 19.99 respectively, p = 0.339 and 24.64 vs. 20.16 respectively, p < 0.001). The chance of having MetS, high triglyceride, and fasting blood glucose (FBG) was significantly higher in people with ALT >= 40 (1.63, 2.35, and 2.02, respectively). The chance of having MetS in people with AST >= 40 was 1.45 times higher than that among those with normal AST level (p > 0.05). Conclusion This study showed that there is an association between liver enzymes and MetS as well as some of its components. Liver enzymes, especially ALT, can be used as an early indicator of MetS in the at risk population

Automated summary

This study found that serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were higher in patients with MetS compared to controls. Individuals with ALT levels >= 40 had significantly higher chances of having MetS, high triglycerides, and fasting blood glucose. Those with AST levels >= 40 had a 1.45 times higher chance of having MetS compared to individuals with normal AST levels.