Impact of Statin Treatment On Liver Enzyme Levels in Patients with Dyslipidemia

Background: Dyslipidemia frequently coexists with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and cardiovascular disease, contributing to increased morbidity and mortality. While statins are widely prescribed to manage lipid abnormalities and reduce cardiovascular risk, their effect on liver enzyme levels in dyslipidemic patients with NAFLD remains incompletely understood. Evaluating this effect is critical to ensure both efficacy and safety of statin therapy in this high-risk population. Methods: This prospective observational study enrolled 146 adult patients aged 18–80 years with dyslipidemia, NAFLD, and cardiovascular disease at a tertiary care hospital over one year. Patients receiving statins (n = 88) were compared with non-statin users (n = 58). Liver enzymes (ALT, AST) and lipid profiles (total cholesterol, LDL-C) were measured at baseline and follow-up. Demographic, clinical, and treatment-related data were also collected. Results: At baseline, ALT and AST levels were similar between the statin and non-statin groups (43.1 ± 18.0 vs 40.1 ± 15.9 U/L and 38.0 ± 14.9 vs 35.2 ± 13.1 U/L, respectively; p > 0.1). After follow-up, statin therapy significantly reduced ALT (36.0 ± 14.0 U/L; p < 0.01) and AST (31.1 ± 11.7 U/L; p = 0.04), whereas non-statin patients showed minimal change. Total cholesterol decreased from 210.5 ± 30.9 to 180.9 ± 24.6 mg/dL (p < 0.01) and LDL-C from 135.4 ± 28.7 to 104.6 ± 21.0 mg/dL (p < 0.01) in the statin group, with no significant reductions in the non-statin group. Statins were well tolerated, with only minor side effects reported. Conclusion: Statin therapy significantly improves liver enzyme levels and lipid profiles in dyslipidemic patients with NAFLD and cardiovascular disease. These results support the dual hepatic and cardiovascular benefits of statins in this population.