Assessment of the effect of smoking reduction on liver function tests and metabolic indices in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis smokers

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effects of smoking reduction on liver function tests and metabolic parameters in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) smokers. Materials and Methods: In addition to standard treatment, all patients participated in 6 sessions of “motivational interview” workshops to encourage smoking decrement. The clinical trial consisted of two successful and unsuccessful arms. Those who decreased daily cigarette smoking more than 50% were labeled as “successful” group. The “unsuccessful” group consisted of those who were decreased the daily cigarette smoking less than 50%. The successful and unsuccessful groups were 43 (41%) and 61 (59%) patients respectively. The data regarding number of daily cigarette smoking, liver function tests and metabolic parameters were checked twice, in 3 and 6 months’ time after starting the intervention. Results: Liver function tests, metabolic parameters and liver fat content (LFC) were decreased in both arms after 6 months. The mean alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, fasting blood sugar, insulin, cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, LFC, and waist circumference (WC) was lower in successful arm than in unsuccessful. Conclusion: It seems that concomitant standard treatment and cigarette smoking reduction has more effect in decrement of alanine aminotransferase, serum metabolic parameters, WC and LFC in NASH smokers.