Liver Function Enzymes and Serum Biomarkers Show Positive Correlation in Colorectal Cancer Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from the University of Baghdad have conducted a case-control study to investigate the relationship between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). The study involved 60 participants and found that liver function enzymes, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), were significantly elevated in CRC patients with NAFLD. The study also detected positive correlations between liver function enzymes and serum biomarkers, including cathepsin-B, obestatin, and kininogen-1, in patients with CRC and NAFLD.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study involved 30 patients with colorectal cancer and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and 30 healthy controls.
  • The researchers found that liver function enzymes (ALT, AST, and ALP) were significantly elevated in patients with CRC and NAFLD compared to healthy controls.
  • Positive correlations were detected between liver function enzymes and serum biomarkers (cathepsin-B, obestatin, and kininogen-1) in patients with CRC and NAFLD.
  • The correlations between liver function enzymes and serum biomarkers suggest that NAFLD may increase the risk of CRC.
  • Selected blood biomarkers and liver function enzymes were positively correlated in CRC patients with NAFLD.
  • The study's findings have implications for future research and clinical practice in the diagnosis and treatment of CRC and NAFLD.

Statistics:

  • 60 participants were involved in the case-control study, with 30 patients with CRC and NAFLD and 30 healthy controls.
  • 30 patients with CRC and NAFLD were recruited from Baghdad's Al-Amal Hospital and Oncology Teaching Hospital.
  • 30 healthy individuals served as controls.
  • The serum levels of liver function enzymes (ALT, AST, and ALP) were evaluated in patients with CRC and NAFLD and compared with healthy controls.
  • Positive correlations were detected between liver function enzymes and serum biomarkers (cathepsin-B, obestatin, and kininogen-1) in patients with CRC and NAFLD, with p-values of 0.007, 0.047, and 0.026 for obestatin, kininogen-1, and ALP, respectively.

Sources:

  • The Link between NAFLD and Colorectal Cancer: Insights from Liver Function Enzymes and Serum Biomarkers in a Case-Control Study, mjlt mrkz bhwth altqnyat alahyayyt, 2025,19(2).
  • University of Baghdad.
  • Al-Nahrain University/ Biotechnology Research Center.
  • https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.24126/jobrc.2025.19.2.815.