Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein, Triglyceride, and Total Cholesterol among Sudanese Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Background/Aim: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) refers to the accumulation of hepatic steatosis not due to excess alcohol consumption.It is the most common liver condition in the world.The prevalence of NAFLD is up to 30% in developed countries and nearly 10% in developing nations. The aim of this study is to assess serum alpha-fetoprotein triglyceride, and total cholesterolamong Sudanese with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Methods:This is a descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in Advance diagnostic center, Bahary hospital, Khartoum state, Sudan during the period of Sep 2016 to Nov 2016. Participants were divided into two groups; patient group (N/40), and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease NAFLD, and 40 normal individual as control group. Triglyceride, total cholesterol were measured by using spectrophotometric method, while alphafetoprotein measured byusing enzyme immune assay test ELISA. Results: The current study revealed that there is significant difference in triglyceride (TG) and alpha fetoprotein (AF) between cases and control group (P = 0.000), and (P = 0.004) respectively, however insignificant in total cholesterol (TC), (P = 0.629). The study also showed strong positive correlation between TG and AFP (R value (+0.527), (P = 0.00). Age showed negative correlation with AFP R value (0.316), (P = 0.047), TC and AFP showed no correlation R Value (+0.246), (P = 0.126). Conclusion: Patients with NAFLD have higher AFP levels and TG than those without fatty liver changes. AFP levels rise as grade of liver steatosis increases.