Effects of Ramadan fasting on plasma free fatty acids in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Abstract

Introduction: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a global disease which its prevalence is about 10-35%. Several factors are involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of fasting during Ramadan on plasma free fatty acids in patients with NAFLD. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed during the month of Ramadan in June-July, 2014 (Islamic year: 1435) with 50 patients who were living in Mashhad, Iran. The participants were recruited from 18-65 years old patients. The inclusion criteria were 1) patients with NAFLD that diagnosed fatty liver by ultrasonography and 2) being at least 10 hours fasting. Levels of plasma free fatty acids (Palmitic, Elaidic and Oleic fatty acid) were analyzed in blood sample of all patients by gas chromatography apparatus equipped with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID). Result: results indicated that there was no significant changes were observed in plasma levels of Palmitic, Elaidic and Oleic fatty acids in overweight patients (BMI 25-30 ), but plasma levels of Elaidic acid significantly increased in obese patients (P