Background: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is characterized by morphological features indistinguishable from alcoholic hepatitis in individuals who do not consume excess alcohol. The role of leptin in the development of NASH is claimed to be through its inflammatory, fibrogenic and angiogenic effects.
Aim of the study: to evaluate the leptin status in patients with NASH with the emphasis on its angiogenic effects and its relation to basic fibroblast growth (BFGF).
Patients and methods: This study was conducted on twenty-five patients with NASH and twenty normal persons of matched age and sex as control. For both groups, lipid profile, fasting and postprandial blood glucose, Serum leptin and BFGF were determined. All the results were tabulated and statistically evaluated.
Results: Obesity, hyperlipidaemia and diabetes mellitus were prevalent among patients with NASH. There were significant increase of leptin and basic fibroblast growth factor in patients with NASH, as compared to control.
Conclusion: Leptin plays an important role in the pathogenesis of NASH through its metabolic, fibrogenic and angiogenic effects. It may also have a role in the development of complications.