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

This study aimed to investigate the effects of smoking reduction on liver function tests and metabolic parameters in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) smokers.

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.

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.

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.