Author/Authors :
Zhang, H Dept. of Hepatology - First Hospital - Jilin University - Changchun 130021, China , Sun, J Dept. of Hepatology - First Hospital - Jilin University - Changchun 130021, China , He, Sm Dept. of Hepatology - First Hospital - Jilin University - Changchun 130021, China , Feng, Xw Dept. of Hepatology - First Hospital - Jilin University - Changchun 130021, China , Cai, Yj Dept. of Hepatology - First Hospital - Jilin University - Changchun 130021, China , Wang, C Dept. of Hepatology - First Hospital - Jilin University - Changchun 130021, China , Shi, Xd Dept. of Hepatology - First Hospital - Jilin University - Changchun 130021, China , Wang, Zf Dept. of Hepatology - First Hospital - Jilin University - Changchun 130021, China , Zhou, Q Dept. of Hepatology - First Hospital - Jilin University - Changchun 130021, China , Niu, Jq Dept. of Hepatology - First Hospital - Jilin University - Changchun 130021, China , Ding, Yh Phase One Clinical Trial Unit - First Hospital - Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China , Li, Qm Dept. of Pediatric Nephrology - First Hospital - Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China , Zhao, Yl Dept. of Nephrology - the Second Part of First Hospital - Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China , Zhou, Xj Dept. of Rheumatology - First Hospital - Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
Abstract :
Background: Increasing evidence suggests an association between elevated serum aminotransferase levels and
metabolic disorders (metabolic syndrome, hyperlipemia and diabetes mellitus). However, the significance of relatively
low levels of aminotransferases in relation to metabolic disorders has not been fully investigated in the general
population. We investigated the association between serum amiontransferase levels and metabolic disorders using data
from a survey in Jilin province, China.
Methods: In 2007, a survey was conducted throughout Jilin, China, covering both urban and rural areas. A total of 3835
people, 18 to 79 years old including 1761 men and 2074 women, underwent real-time ultrasonography, blood tests
including aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, and had interviews with a structured questionnaire.
Results: Serum aminotransferase levels within the normal range were associated with metabolic syndrome independent
of age, occupation, cultural and educational level, income, body mass index, waist circumference, smoking, and alcohol
intake. Compared with the lowest level (<20 IU/L), the adjusted odds ratios for ALT levels of 20-29, 30-39, 40-49 and
>50 IU/L were 1.92, 2.50, 2.97, and 3.52 in men, and 1.38 , 1.54, 3.06, and 2.62 in women, respectively. Near-normal
serum aminotransferase levels associated with hyperlipemia, NAFLD, DMwere also found in the study.
Conclusions: Normal to near-normal serum aminotransferase levels are associated with metabolic disorders. Serum
ALT levels of 21-25 IU/L for men, and 17-22 IU/L for women are suggested as cutoff levels that detect metabolic
disorders affecting the liver.
Keywords :
Alanine aminotransferase , Metabolic syndrome , Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease , Ultrasonography , Cutoff Levels
