FREE FATTY ACIDS AND HEPATIC ACTIVITY IN TYPE 2 DIABETES

Metabolic derangements in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) are associated primarily with the carbohydrate and lipid levels disturbances. Increased flow of free fatty acids (FFAs) into the blood that is coming from the adipocytes as well as an elevated flux of FFAs from de novo lipid synthesis in the liver contribute to these metabolic disturbances. Previous studies suggested a strong association of the hepatic activity of certain enzymes, such as aspartate and alanine transferase (AST, ALT), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) with the progression of T2D. In this study, the potential association of the hepatic activities of the liver enzymes and FFAs levels in T2D was examined. Analysis of the activities of ALT, AST, GGT and AP, as well levels of FFAs, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and lipid profile was performed in 40 healthy control and 71 diabetic subjects. All participants were free of hepatitis, viral infections or active liver damage. The results showed a positive association between levels of palmitic and oleic acids with ALT activity (p<0.05), while the activity of GGT was significantly associated with the levels of palmitic, stearic, and oleic fatty acids (p<0.01). Interestingly, in control group, a positive correlation was found between palmitoleic acid levels with ALT activity (p<0.05), and a negative correlation palmitoleic acid with ALP activity (p<0.05) was observed. Obtained data suggest that an elevation of free fatty acid levels and the hepatic fat accumulation in insulin-resistant conditions affect the hepatic enzymes activities, which might contribute further to the progression of Type 2 diabetes and its complications.