The role of increased gastrointestinal alcohol production in patients with the metabolic syndrome: Implications for the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Abstract

Aim. Explore the possibility that increased gastrointestinal alcohol production may play a role in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with the metabolic syndrome. Methods. Blood, urine and breath levels of alcohol measured in 20 patients with the metabolic syndrome were compared with those of 20 matched healthy controls. Results. Eighty per cent of the patients had dyslipidaemia, 60% systemic ypertension and 70% type 2 diabetes mellitus. Seventy five per cent had ultrasonographic features of fatty liver disease, with mean serum aminotransferase activities being significantly higher in the patients than in the controls, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) 57.4±44.79 U/l versus 17.4±4.60 U/l (95% CI 18.02 - 61.42,