Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Internal Medicine

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) encompasses a spectrum of liver disease ranging from simple liver fat accumulation to severe hepatic necroinflammation (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis or NASH), and can progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, all of which are associated with increased morbidity and mortality . Aim of work:To evaluate the possible association between the serum neuregulin 4 and NAFLD and to use serum neuregulin 4 as a non-invasive marker for diagnosis of NAFLD. Patients and Methods: A total of 63 NAFLD patients (diagnosis was based on the presence of fatty liver on abdominal ultrasound)and 63 apparently healthy control subjects were enrolled. All subjects were subjected to detailed history taking and thorough clinical examination including anthropometric measures (Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference). Laboratory work-up includedcomplete blood count (CBC), lipid profile(total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides), serum transaminases (AST, ALT), serum albumin and bilirubin levels, hepatitis markers (anti-HCV antibodies and HBsAg),anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) andanti-smooth muscle antibody (ASMA). Measurement of serum Neuregulin 4 (Nrg4) by ELISA was also performed. Also, non-invasive NAFLD scores such as NAFLD fibrosis score and FIB4 scorewere applied to all NAFLD patients. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between cases and control regarding the BMI , waist circumference, hemoglobin level, total leucocyticcount, total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-Cand serum triglycerides levels

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