Liver function abnormalities more prevalent in north Indian men : Study

On the occasion of World Liver day, SRL Diagnostics has revealed that Northern states may have a higher number of undetected liver-related diseases than other parts of India. The analysis of the test results was gleaned from the four main parameters: SGPT, SGOT, ALP, and Bilirubin, along with total protein and albumin. The data is based on more than 4.24 lakh tests done at SRL Labs across India, between the year 2015 and 2017 as part of health checkups for liver function.

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT or SGPT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST or SGOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Serum Bilirubin are the major biomarkers, which are used in the diagnosis of liver dysfunction. The function of these enzymes is to help speed up (catalyze) the routine and vital chemical reactions in the liver. When liver tissue is damaged, the enzymes come out in blood. Bilirubin is a product of liver’s normal process of breaking down old red blood cells. A healthy liver can normally get rid of bilirubin, but an unhealthy one throws it back to blood. Of all the sample data analyzed, 23.38% individuals showed higher-than-normal SGPT levels while 18.72% individuals showed higher-than-normal SGOT levels, while 16.84% individuals showed higher-than-normal ALP levels.

In a gender-wise analysis, men had higher abnormal SGPT and SGOT levels (28.59% and 20.99% respectively) compared to women (15.97% and 15.47% respectively). Similarly, Bilirubin levels were also higher in men (21.82%) compared to 13.45% in women. Though women reflected slightly higher ALP levels (17.18%) compared to men (16.59%). It was also observed that while younger age groups had more liver enzyme abnormalities, older groups had more of albumin and total protein abnormalities.

Commenting on the same, Dr B.R Das, Advisor and Mentor - R&D, SRL Diagnostics said, “Liver abnormalities are increasing in India, because of rising obesity, alcohol abuse, and liver infections. Also, liver disease is no longer restricted to age, as people below the age of 40 are also witnessing incidence of liver diseases. However, the symptoms of the liver disease usually do not appear till the disease is well advanced. So, early diagnosis is the key to a better state of the liver.”

As per WHO (World Health Organisation), liver disease has been the most common cause of death in various countries, with India standing at number 10 in the overall ranking. There has been a paradigm shift in the dynamics of liver cirrhosis, with about 10 lakh new patients being diagnosed with it every year in India contributing markedly to the global burden of morbidity, mortality and increased death rate year-on-year.

“Liver is a highly resilient organ. Hence it takes a lot of abuse before throwing up symptoms. Thus, it is imperative that regular health check-up tests are done to catch any anomaly at a relatively early stage, which will allow for easier treatment and increased chances of managing the disease with medication and lifestyle changes. This is especially true for people who live a sedentary lifestyle and do not adhere to a balanced diet regime. Preventive attitude towards health can save a person a lot of trouble in the treatment process,” adds Dr Das.

CAUSES OF LIVER DISEASE:

1. Infection: The most common types of liver infections are caused by hepatitis viruses, including Hepatitis A, Hepatitis E, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. Salmonella Typhi bacterium as well as Amoeba can also be pathogens for liver diseases.


2. Metabolic: Fat accumulating in the liver (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease).


3. Substance abuse: Chronic alcohol abuse can also lead to liver cirrhosis.


4. Immune system abnormality: Diseases, where our immune system attacks certain parts of our own body, can also affect the liver. Examples of autoimmune liver diseases are Autoimmune hepatitis, Primary biliary cirrhosis, and Primary sclerosing cholangitis.


5. Genetics: Common genetic liver diseases include Hemochromatosis, Wilson's disease, and Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency


6. Cancer and other growths: Liver cancer and Bile duct cancer