Correlation between enzymatic antioxidants and FGF21 levels, within the context of pharmacotherapy for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a complex disease with a multifactorial aetiology, the development of which is influenced by a number of factors, primarily alterations in the body’s antioxidant system. Currently, there is a lack of clearly regulated therapeutic approaches for the management of this condition. Purpose of the study: was to investigate the effect of pharmacotherapy on the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, the level of FGF21 in the serum of patients with NAFLD, as well as to establish the degree of correlation between these indicators and biochemical markers of pathology development. Materials and methods: Thirty-five patients aged between 32 and 79 years with NAFLD were examined. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase was determined spectrophotometrically. The content of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) was determined by means of an enzyme immunoassay. Results: The study indicated that the pharmacotherapy intervention resulted in alterations in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, as well as marker indicators of hepatocytes cytolysis and oxidative status, demonstrating a shift towards control values. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest a substantial correlation between the activities of antioxidant enzymes, the level of FGF21, and biochemical markers of pathology in patients with NAFLD. The results of the present study serve to further emphasise the significant importance of the oxidative status of the organism in mediating the therapeutic efficacy.