Serum Alanine Aminotransferase Independently Correlates with Intrahepatic Triglyceride Contents in Obese Subjects

Background and Aim Liver enzymes including serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) are well recognized as surrogate makers reflecting non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the associations of serum ALT, AST and GGT with hepatic lipid contents are not well established. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between liver enzymes and intrahepatic triglyceride (IHTG) contents, and explore the feasibility in using liver enzymes to reflect accumulation of IHTG in obese subjects. Methods A cross-sectional analysis was conducted in 475 obese adults aged 40–65 years. Anthropometric parameters and blood biochemical indexes including liver enzymes, glucose and lipid profiles were measured. The liver triglyceride contents of subjects were determined by 1 H-MRS. Results Serum ALT, AST and GGT were positively correlated with IHTG contents ( p