Bridging the diagnostic gap: liver function tests and IL-6 as potential early predictors of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in psoriasis

Abstract

Background: Psoriasis goes beyond skin, intertwining with body systems, notably connecting to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study aims to explore the predictive potential: liver function tests and IL-6 as early markers for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in psoriasis patients.  Methods: From March to November 2023, a case-control study was performed at the dermatological outpatient clinic of Baquba Teaching Hospital, Iraq. Individuals with confirmed psoriasis and those without underwent comprehensive clinical history and overall health examinations. The diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) was established using the Fatty Liver Index (FLI). Results: Among the 216 participants in this study, 109 with confirmed psoriasis displayed a Fatty Liver Index (FLI) score >60, indicative of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The control group, comprising 107 individuals without psoriasis or NAFLD, provided a baseline for comparison. The mean ages were 32.5 ± 16.2 and 31.5 ± 14.3 years for the case and control groups, respectively. Notably, the case group exhibited significantly higher mean ± SD levels of ALT and AST (61 ± 29 vs. 33 ± 17 U/L, p < 0.0001) and (55 ± 27 vs. 25 ± 15 U/L, p < 0.0001), respectively. Moreover, FLI criteria were markedly elevated in the case group (p = 0.0007, p = 0.0005, p < 0.0001, and p < 0.0001, respectively), and IL-6 levels were significantly higher (p = 0.0003). Conclusion: The results proposed that liver function tests and IL-6 could act as early predictors for the detection of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease among individuals grappling with psoriasis.