Changes in Asprosin and Adiponectin Serum Level in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Background: Individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have insulin resistance and a higher likelihood of diabetes onset. Recent evidence indicates that asprosin, a new hormone secreted by white adipose tissue, may contribute to the pathogenesis of insulin resistance. Nonetheless, asprosin's function in NAFLD remains ambiguous.Objective: To evaluate the changes in Asprosin and Adiponectin serum levels in NAFLD.Methods: A case–control study was conducted on 40 participants: 20 adults with ultrasound- and Fibroscan-confirmed NAFLD and 20 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. All participants underwent full clinical assessment, anthropometric measurements, pelvi-abdominal ultrasound, and laboratory testing, including lipid profile, liver enzymes, HOMA-IR, and serum asprosin and adiponectin levels.Results: Both groups were comparable in age, sex distribution, BMI, and blood pressure. Obstructive sleep apnea was more common in NAFLD cases (45% vs. 0%). Although BMI was similar, waist circumference differed (86.3 cm in cases vs. 91.4 cm in controls). NAFLD patients demonstrated a more adverse biochemical profile, with higher triglycerides (243 vs. 113 mg/dL), LDL (138 vs. 106 mg/dL), ALT (43 vs. 25 U/L), and HOMA-IR (3.57 vs. 1.80). Serum asprosin was markedly elevated in NAFLD cases (2.54 vs. 1.48 ng/mL), while adiponectin levels were reduced (758 vs. 929 pg/mL).Conclusion: A high level of asprosin in the blood and a low level of adiponectin may be linked to NAFLD. The combined levels of asprosin and adiponectin may be a useful biomarker for finding NAFLD.