Association of Remnant Lipoprotein Cholesterol with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Hepatic Steatosis Severity

Abstract

Background: Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent chronic liver disorder closely linked to obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and dyslipidaemia. Remnant lipoprotein cholesterol (RLP-C) is associated with cardiovascular risk and may be elevated in NAFLD patients. To assess the diagnostic utility of RLP-C in NAFLD and its correlation with biochemical and anthropometric parameters.

Methodology: A total of 100 subjects (50 NAFLD, 50 controls) were enrolled. Clinical history, anthropometric measurements (BMI, waist circumference), and biochemical analyses were analysed, including Fasting blood glucose and lipid profiles. Serum RLP-C levels were calculated and analyzed with NAFLD grading and the ROC curve.

Results: NAFLD patients showed significantly higher RLP-C levels (26.47±2.08 mg/dl) than controls (18.2±1.40 mg/dl, p=0.005). RLP-C was positively correlated with TC, TG, LDL, and VLDL. ROC curve yielded an AUC of 0.663, with 54% sensitivity and 78% specificity.

Conclusion: RLP-C is significantly associated with NAFLD and lipid abnormalities but shows moderate diagnostic accuracy.