Brief Article
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World J Hepatol. Mar 27, 2013; 5(3): 109-113
Published online Mar 27, 2013. doi: 10.4254/wjh.v5.i3.109
Silymarin in non alcoholic fatty liver disease
Fulvio Cacciapuoti, Anna Scognamiglio, Rossella Palumbo, Raffaele Forte, Federico Cacciapuoti
Fulvio Cacciapuoti, Anna Scognamiglio, Rossella Palumbo, Raffaele Forte, Federico Cacciapuoti, Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Second University of Naples, 80138 Naples, Italy
Author contributions: Cacciapuoti F contributed to the conception and work design; Scognamiglio A and Palumbo R contributed to the statistical analysis and data interpretation; Forte R critically revised the paper; Cacciapuoti F critically revised and approved the final version.
Correspondence to: Federico Cacciapuoti, Associate Professor, Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Second University of Naples, Piazza L, Miraglia, 2, 80138 Naples, Italy. federico.cacciapuoti@unina2.it
Telephone: +39-8-1665022 Fax: +39-8-15665022
Received: May 13, 2012
Revised: September 24, 2012
Accepted: November 14, 2012
Published online: March 27, 2013
Abstract

AIM: This study was undertaken to evaluate the hepatic effects of silybum marianum on non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

METHODS: In 72 patients affected by NAFLD, main metabolic, hepatic and anti-inflammatory parameters were assayed after 3 mo of a restricted diet and before silymarin treatment (twice a day orally). The brightness of liver echography texture (hepatorenal ratio brightness) was also defined at same time. These evaluations were repeated after 6 mo of treatment.

RESULTS: Serum levels of some metabolic and anti-inflammatory data nonsignificantly lowered after 6 mo of silymarin. On the contrary, Steato test, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase were significantly (P < 0.001) reduced. Instead, the AST/ALT ratio unchanged. Finally, the hepatorenal brightness ratio, as an index of hepatic steatosis, significantly (P < 0.05) dropped.

CONCLUSION: The obtained results indicate that silymarin appears to be effective to reduce the biochemical, inflammatory and ultrasonic indices of hepatic steatosis. Some parameters indicative of early stage of atherosclerosis were also lowered.

Keywords: Alanine aminotransferase, Aspartate aminotransferase, Total cholesterol, Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, Non alcoholic fatty liver disease, Silymarin, Steato test, Hepatorenal ultrasonographic index, Fasting glucose level, High density lipoprotein and low density lipoprotein cholesterol, Homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance test