Assessment of Serum Glutathione as an Antioxidant Marker in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Patients

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Background: Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) represents a major cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia. Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in its pathogenesis. Glutathione (GSH), a key intracellular antioxidant, neutralizes reactive oxygen species (ROS) and maintains redox balance. This study aimed to assess serum glutathione levels in NAFLD patients and compare them with healthy controls to evaluate its potential as an antioxidant marker.

Methods: A case-control study was conducted on 100 participants—60 patients clinically and radiologically diagnosed with NAFLD and 40 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Serum glutathione levels were estimated by the colorimetric method using Ellman’s reagent (DTNB). Anthropometric and biochemical parameters such as BMI, fasting blood glucose, lipid profile, and liver function tests were also recorded.

Results: Mean serum glutathione levels were significantly lower in NAFLD patients (2.41 ± 0.52 µmol/L) compared to controls (4.73 ± 0.68 µmol/L; p < 0.001). A progressive decline in glutathione concentration was observed with increasing severity of hepatic steatosis as assessed by ultrasonography. Serum GSH levels negatively correlated with BMI and serum triglycerides, indicating an association between oxidative stress and metabolic derangements in NAFLD.

Conclusion: Reduced serum glutathione levels reflect compromised antioxidant defense and increased oxidative stress in NAFLD. GSH estimation may serve as a simple, non-invasive biomarker for disease assessment and therapeutic monitoring.