Serum Biomarkers in Sudanese Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disorder. Its pathogenesis is multifactorial, and different pathogenic mechanisms cause differences in its course and outcomes at different clinical stages. This study evaluated serum levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), lipids, and liver enzymes in Sudanese patients with NAFLD. Methods and Results: This study was conducted at the Advance Diagnostic Center, Bihari Hospital, Khartoum State, Sudan, from September 2021 to November 2022. A total of 80 participants (56 women and 24 men) were divided into two groups: The study group included 40 patients diagnosed with NAFLD, and the control group comprised 40 healthy individuals. All patients underwent an ultrasound examination. The serum levels of AST, ALT, triglycerides (TG), and total cholesterol (TC) were measured using a spectrophotometric method, while AFP levels were assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Our study revealed a significant increase in the levels of AST, ALT, TG, and AFP in NAFLD patients compared to the control group (P