Serum Zonulin and Growth Differentiation Factor-15 levels support link between Coronary Artery Disease: The Liver-Heart Axis

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate associations between serum zonulin and GSF-15 levels in coronary arteries with NAFLD patients and to study their correlations with different parameters.
 Methods: In this case-control study, 90 subjects were collected, consisting of 45 coronary artery disease with non-alcoholic fatty liver (Grade one) patients and 45 controls, Clinical demographic information, including family history of coronary disease, lifestyle factors including hypertension and diabetes, and certain blood parameters data (lipid profile, liver functions test).
 Results: The patients' mean age was 55.64±8.462 years. Among all participants, 64(71.1%) were male and 26(28.9%) female. Zonulin, GDF-15, triglycerides, ALT, AST, ALP, and LDL levels were significantly higher in the patients (p≤0.001, p≤0.001, p=0.022, p≤0.001, p=0.035, p≤0.001, p≤0.001, respectively). In comparison to the controls, HDL and total cholesterol were considerably higher (p≤0.001 and p≤0.001).
 Conclusion: Patients who suffer from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and coronary arteries had higher levels of zonulin and GDF-15.