The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in healthy young persons

OBJECTIVE This aim of the present study was to determine prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in healthy young persons admitted for annual medical check-ups. METHODS A retrospective study was conducted in a military hospital. Total of 254 healthy males were included and participants were divided into 2 groups according to presence and grade of NAFLD. Demographic data, biochemical test results, and ultrasonography findings were collected from all patients. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software, version 22.0 (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). RESULTS Prevalence of NAFLD was 10.6%. Significant differences were found with regard to age; levels aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and alkaline phosphatase; body mass index (BMI); and presence of NAFLD (p=0.014, p=0.022, p=0.003, p≤0.001, p=0.004, and p≤0.001, respectively). When compared to those with grade 1 NAFLD, levels of alanine transaminase, fasting blood glucose, gamma-glutamyl transferase, triglycerides, total cholesterol and age variables were higher in those with grade 2 NAFLD. However, no statistically significant difference was noted when comparing grades of NAFLD. CONCLUSION Though this study included patients with normal BMI and normal laboratory test results, presence of NAFLD was not rare in these otherwise healthy young men. Liver enzyme levels were within normal limits; however, there was slight tendency to be high consistent with presence and grade of NAFLD.